What is a significant difference between the breadth of political parties and interest groups?

Political parties typically take positions on a broad range of issues, which distinguishes them from interest groups. Political parties seek to gain control over government by winning elections, and to do so, they must appeal to a wide array of voters with diverse interests and concerns. This necessitates a broad platform that addresses various issues including economic policy, foreign affairs, social issues, and more.

Interest groups, on the other hand, tend to focus on specific issues or a narrow agenda. Their primary goal is often to influence policy and decision-making in their area of interest, whether that be environmental protection, labor rights, healthcare, or any number of other specialized topics. This specialization means that, whereas a political party aims to address the needs and interests of a wide constituency, interest groups are more likely to zero in on particular areas where they seek to exert influence.

The focus of political parties helps them to unify different factions under a single umbrella, whereas interest groups might represent only a small segment of society with specific interests. Understanding this distinction is crucial in analyzing how these entities operate within the political landscape and how they interact with each other and with the governmental system.