Interest Groups

Interest Groups are organizations whose members share common interests and work to promote those interests.

The distinction between a "think tank" and an "interest group" is often a subtle one. Organizations labeling themselves as "think tanks", or a policy research institution at least, purport to be independent and non-partisan organizations. Interest groups are more forthright in their advocacy of policy issues related to their areas of interest. This advocacy may result in direct lobbying of congressional members.

• PolicyFile (Penn State Access Account required)
  PolicyFile indexes policy papers from think tanks, universities, and research institutes. Where possible it makes links to internet versions of these reports.
• Associations Unlimited (Penn State Access Account required)
  The Associations Unlimited database provides information about the organization, its members, publications, budget, key personnel (who may be testifying in Congress), and other information to help you better understand the opinions and views they promote.
• Quick Guide to Political Action Committees (PACs) and Interest Groups