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             Political interest groups however do have freedom of speech. They provide a forum or support network if you will of people that support a common cause or position. Because these groups are often comprised of citizens, they are recognized and supported throughout the nation. .

             Benedict, Burbank & Hrebenar (1999) suggest that political groups including interest groups are "the essence of contemporary American politics" (p. 1). Political interest groups often are considered more powerful than political parties themselves, largely because of the influence they hold over ordinary people. Interest groups often also get more attention than formal political parties (Benedict, et. al, 1999). Part of interest groups strength lies in their lobbying power, which is the process of basically pressuring government agents to sway one way or another with respect to important legislation. .

             Political interest groups invest their time and energy in a wide range of activities that often according to some "challenge political parties traditional campaign lair" (Benedict, et. al, 1). Presidential elections are a prime target for political interest groups in part because they provide a superb forum or arena for interest groups to get their views known to larger groups of potential supporters. .

             Political interest groups have actively participated in elections since the dawn of time. The Republican party during the 1850s was influenced by abolitionist interest groups that "used the party as a vehicle to pursue their policy goal of ending slavery" (Benedict, et. al, 4). Labor unions, also considered a powerful political interest groups, exhibited much pressure and force over party campaigns and elections through the early 1930s (Benedict, et. al, 4). .

             Some may go as far to consider American elections as a battleground for political parties and interests groups to battle their causes (Benedict, et. al 1999).