pressure groups

• Pressure groups


  Groups that seek to influence policy decisions, but do not aim to win or hold government power
• Types of pressure groups

  • Insider groups
  • Outsider groups
• Insider groups


  • They seek to influence policy decisions from within, acting as a channel of communication between the people and government
• Outsider groups


  • They seek to influence policy decisions from outside government, often focusing on a single issue or narrow cluster of issues
• Types of pressure groups

  • Interest groups
  • Cause groups
• Interest groups


  Groups that represent the particular interests of a section of society, such as trade unions and professional bodies
• Interest groups


  • National Education Union
  • Confederation of British Industry
  • Trades Union Congress
• Cause groups


  Groups that are based on shared beliefs or values rather than the common interests of their members, such as charities and campaign groups
• Cause groups


  • Child Poverty Action Group
• Think tanks


  Organisations that provide research, analysis and policy recommendations to influence public debate and government decision-making
• Many think tanks claim to be independent, but many are directly funded by businesses, political parties or other interest groups