Purpose

1. Interest groups :

Interest groups are groups formed by people who have some sort of common interest. This common interest can be anything from intramural sports to policy. Most people are familiar with interest groups as political lobbying organizations, but they do not have to be related to politics.

2. Pressure groups :Pressure groups are also interest groups, but they are specifically created to address political or policy issues. Where interest groups may just want to promote their interest within their group or their greater community, pressure groups are formed to put “pressure” on policymakers or government agencies to adopt policy within the pressure group’s interest.

Organization

1. Interest groups :

Interest groups have varying levels and types of organization. However, interest groups usually have some sort of formal organization – a hierarchy or at least designated roles. Since interest groups are often nonprofits or businesses revenue or financials, some formal structure is required by law.

2. Pressure groups:

Pressure groups are formally and strictly organized. They often function as companies or are structured as nonprofits. Because they are essentially lobbying firms, pressure groups usually have a firm corporate hierarchy. Since the decision in theCitizens UnitedSupreme Court case, some corporations now function similarly to pressure groups because the regulations regarding corporate donations have changed.