Pressure groups

• Pressure groups 

  Groups of people who campaign for specific subjects 

  ◦ The Hunting Act (banning fox hunting) was passed due to a pressure group
• 1.     Sectional pressure groups (trade unions) – represent the interests of a group 
• 2.   Cause pressure groups (Greenpeace) – promote a particular cause 
• Pressure groups

  +   Pressure groups can include experts in a topic 
• Pressure groups

  +   There are many pressure groups meaning a wide range of issues can be brought to the attention of government 
• Pressure groups

  +   Pressure groups often raise important issues (e.g. making government aware of the damage by greenhouse gases).
• Pressure groups

  -   Can have conflicting pressure groups who campaign against each other 
• Pressure groups

  -   Pressure groups may seek to impose their ideas on government even when there is limited support (e.g. train strikes)