Pressure groups

• Pressure groups are organisations that try to influence government policies in the interest of a particular cause. They gain public support for change and by persuading the politicians that change is needed.
• Pressure groups with close links to the government are known as insider groups. They give advice and will be consulted prior to legislation.
• Outsider groups often take action of which the government disapproves, they may take part in civil disobedience or direct action in order to reinforce their point.
• Mass demonstrations and traffic distruption are an example of direct action, this may or may not have an affect on the government.
• Individual action (often illegal) is a tactic used by some pressure groups.
• Petitions are a way to raise awareness Among politicians of public feelings about a specific issue.
• Social media campaigns can be used to attract public sympathy and this may help the pressure group in its efforts to influence the government.
• What are the 4 steps when writing about pressure groups?


  What was the campaign about/how did it start?

  Who were the key parties involved?

  How did it try to change policies ?