interest group
compound.a group of people who work together to influence the government or public opinion about a specific topic.
compound.a formal or informal association of individuals or organizations that attempts to influence public policy in its favour. Often used in political science to describe lobbying bodies or advocacy organizations.
“The environmental interest group met with the mayor.”
“Several powerful interest groups are lobbying the government to change the new tax laws before they take effect.”
“The proliferation of competing interest groups has made it increasingly difficult for legislators to reach a consensus on healthcare reform.”
often used with the verbs 'lobby', 'represent', or 'influence'.
contrast with 'political party'; while a party seeks to win elections and run the government, an interest group only seeks to influence specific policies.