Influence of pressure groups

• Positive influence of pressure groups

  • Increase public participation
  • Provide a platform for members of the public to convey their opinion on government and proposed policies
  • Help the government understand what issues are important and popular amongst the public
  • Due to the ease and simplicity of joining, people are more likely to take part and choose the issues which directly affect them
• Examples of pressure groups

  • RSPB (over 1 million members)
  • National Trust (over 3.7 million members)
  • Conservative Party (around 150,000 members)
• Having a large following


  Pressure groups often receive significant funding and financial support, allowing them to campaign more effectively
• Negative influence of pressure groups

  They do not have to be held accountable, unlike political parties, which sometimes leads to them exploiting their position, acting illegally or promoting civil disobedience