The organization of each pressure group varies according to its interest, purpose and sphere of operation. Some consist of few members, while others of many. Some are well organised, while others are loosely so. But every pressure group tries to be well organised so as to influence the government and the public. It operates both openly as well as secretly and clandestinely. It endeavours to include in its public list of supporters and subscribers the names of as many public figures and prominent people as possible, both as members and as officers.
Many of them are paid handsomely for associating with the group. The real work of the group is, however, done by a small number of paid officials and research workers, propagandists or lobby men and paid agents. They bring pressure or influence on the law-makers and government officials and bodies. The pressure may take the form of a friendly talk, a reasoned discussion, or threats of party action or failure in re-election or rewards and bribery, such as securing employment in the business concern of the group. The group also conducts campaigns of propaganda or education in order to manufacture public opinion.
For this purpose, it collects as much of knowledge and information as possible by social survey, research work, etc. Letters, telegrams, and such other methods are used to impress upon the government that the public opinion is eager for something, which is of course the particular interest which the group seeks to promote. The pressure groups use the newspapers, radio, and television. They present petitions and pass resolutions at mass meetings. They send letters and telegrams to public officials, visit their offices and use every known method to publicise their programmes. They provide them with sufficient funds. Thus many governmental policies and laws in America are adopted by the Federal and State and local governments under the influence and pressure of these interest and pressure groups.