Pressure Groups

Aims:•To know what a pressure group is.•Different types of pressure groups and their actions.•How they can influence the government.

What are Pressure Groups?

• “Pressure Groups are organisations of like minded people who have come together to influence government.”

• Groups of people are much more powerful than individuals.

• Why do you think this is true? Note down your answers after discussing with your partner.

Different Types of PGs

• Cause Groups

• Share a view about how life could be improved.

• Wish to help a particular disadvantaged group e.g. children, homeless.

• Wish to change public opinion on an issue, e.g. stopping testing on animals.

• Interest Groups

• Try to improve economic conditions for their members e.g. better pay.

• Try to create better working conditions for their members.

• Are concerned only with social, political and economic interests of their members e.g. Trade Unions.

How do PGs Influence Government/Public Opinion

• Write letters to MP• Lobbying MPs• Petitions• Marches and Demonstrations• Poster and Leaflet Campaigns• Mass Media• Public Meetings• Direct Mailing

Pressure Groups in Action• Countryside AllianceCountryside Alliance – supported fox hunting,

rural way of life. 2004 huge demonstration 20,000 people outside parliament. Dead animals outside Labour party conference in Brighton.

• Fathers for JusticeFathers for Justice – 2004 flour bombs hit Tony Blair in HoC, dress as superheroes and climbed Buckingham Palace, Big Ben.

• How successful have they been? Nothing has changed in parliament, however they have gained public attention and have put their cause on the political agenda.

Participation in Pressure Groups

Lobby MP’s

Sign a Petition

Write Letters

Posters and LeafletsMarches & Demos

Mass Media Coverage

Public Meetings

Direct mail

The Proclaimers walk a few miles