The Point of Pressure Groups

The Point of Pressure Groups

Pressure groups are a collection of people that stress the points in

which they want the Government to notice in order to bring about

change. This is done for two different reasons. Firstly, it is done by

sectional groups that are groups sectionally involved in defending

their own economic interests, and bringing about change to improve the

state of their interests such as the Confederation of Business

Industry and National Farmers’. Secondly are cause or promotional

groups that are organised to campaign on behalf of causes with no

direct link to economic self-interest such as the RSPCA and National

Trust. Pressure groups fall into two categories, which are insider and

outsider groups. Insider groups are those that have direct access to

ministers and policy-makers as a matter of daily routine, which

includes groups such as the British Medical Association and the Law

Society. Outsider groups are those who are not usually considered

whilst policy-making or enjoy direct access to ministers, which

consists of groups such as Life and Keep Sunday Special. Direct groups

use different strategies from indirect groups in terms of how they try

to influence the government. Direct groups like to provide funding

towards political groups as well as lobby the key policy makers,

boycotting firms, and breaking controversial laws. These are all very

persuasive methods of affecting change. Indirect groups tend to use

less persuasive methods such as writing to Mps, distributing leaflets,

using the media and new technology as well as using demonstrating.

These methods have a greater affect of gaining awareness to the cause

rather than persuading the government.

The members of a pressure group share common interests and which seek

to influence the government. This may sound as though pressure groups

and political parties are the same, however they do differ. Political

parties put candidates up for election, whereas most pressure groups

do not. Pressure groups also do not wish to form a Government; they