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2 Dec 2025

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Understanding Pressure Groups: Types and Roles

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Tanvir Ahmed @txnvir_ahmed

Pressure groups are organisations that try to influence government decisions without actually wanting to run the country themselves.... Show more

# Pressure Groups
 H/W
12/05/22
# Pressure Groups

→→Can be defined as a membership-based association whose aim is to influence
Policy-makin

What Are Pressure Groups?

Think of pressure groups as the voice for people who feel politicians aren't properly representing their interests. These membership-based associations focus on influencing policy-making rather than seeking power directly.

The moment a pressure group decides it wants actual political power, it transforms into a political party. A perfect example is how the trade union movement helped create the Labour Party.

Pressure groups serve several crucial functions in democracy. They represent sections of society who feel overlooked by Parliament, educate the public about important issues, and hold the government accountable for its performance. They also support minority groups and give citizens ways to participate in politics beyond just voting.

Remember The key difference is that pressure groups influence policy whilst political parties seek to make policy by gaining power.

# Pressure Groups
 H/W
12/05/22
# Pressure Groups

→→Can be defined as a membership-based association whose aim is to influence
Policy-makin

Types of Pressure Groups

Sectional groups represent specific, identifiable memberships and pursue the particular interests of their members. The British Medical Association (BMA) and National Farmer's Union (NFU) are classic examples.

Whilst sectional groups primarily serve their members' interests, some argue they benefit society as a whole. Think about doctors and teachers - their professional interests often align with public good.

Causal groups (also called promotional groups) champion particular causes, beliefs, or values rather than representing specific memberships. They can tackle broad issues like environmental concerns or human rights, or focus on narrow causes like protecting local green spaces.

Well-known causal groups include Greenpeace for environmental issues, Liberty for human rights, and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) for peace activism.

Quick tip Ask yourself - does this group serve its members' interests (sectional) or promote a cause everyone can support (causal)?

# Pressure Groups
 H/W
12/05/22
# Pressure Groups

→→Can be defined as a membership-based association whose aim is to influence
Policy-makin

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Politics

231

2 Dec 2025

3 pages

Understanding Pressure Groups: Types and Roles

user profile picture

Tanvir Ahmed

@txnvir_ahmed

Pressure groups are organisations that try to influence government decisions without actually wanting to run the country themselves. They're basically groups of people who care deeply about specific issues and want to make sure politicians listen to their concerns.

# Pressure Groups
 H/W
12/05/22
# Pressure Groups

→→Can be defined as a membership-based association whose aim is to influence
Policy-makin

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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What Are Pressure Groups?

Think of pressure groups as the voice for people who feel politicians aren't properly representing their interests. These membership-based associations focus on influencing policy-making rather than seeking power directly.

The moment a pressure group decides it wants actual political power, it transforms into a political party. A perfect example is how the trade union movement helped create the Labour Party.

Pressure groups serve several crucial functions in democracy. They represent sections of society who feel overlooked by Parliament, educate the public about important issues, and hold the government accountable for its performance. They also support minority groups and give citizens ways to participate in politics beyond just voting.

Remember: The key difference is that pressure groups influence policy whilst political parties seek to make policy by gaining power.

# Pressure Groups
 H/W
12/05/22
# Pressure Groups

→→Can be defined as a membership-based association whose aim is to influence
Policy-makin

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Types of Pressure Groups

Sectional groups represent specific, identifiable memberships and pursue the particular interests of their members. The British Medical Association (BMA) and National Farmer's Union (NFU) are classic examples.

Whilst sectional groups primarily serve their members' interests, some argue they benefit society as a whole. Think about doctors and teachers - their professional interests often align with public good.

Causal groups (also called promotional groups) champion particular causes, beliefs, or values rather than representing specific memberships. They can tackle broad issues like environmental concerns or human rights, or focus on narrow causes like protecting local green spaces.

Well-known causal groups include Greenpeace for environmental issues, Liberty for human rights, and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) for peace activism.

Quick tip: Ask yourself - does this group serve its members' interests (sectional) or promote a cause everyone can support (causal)?

# Pressure Groups
 H/W
12/05/22
# Pressure Groups

→→Can be defined as a membership-based association whose aim is to influence
Policy-makin

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

10

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

UK Pressure Groups Overview

Explore the dynamics of pressure groups, think tanks, and lobbyists in UK politics. This summary covers their influence on government, key examples, and the role of public support in shaping policy. Ideal for A-Level Government & Politics students seeking to understand the complexities of pluralist democracy.

PoliticsPolitics
12

Media's Political Impact

Explore the significant role of media in shaping political opinions and participation. This summary covers key concepts such as media influence on elections, the evolution of social media, and the implications of opinion polls. Ideal for A-level Politics students seeking to understand the complexities of media's role in modern campaigns.

PoliticsPolitics
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Pressure Groups in UK Politics

Explore the dynamics of pressure groups and their influence on UK politics. This summary covers various types of pressure groups, including sectional, cause, and insider groups, along with their strategies such as lobbying, direct action, and civil disobedience. Understand the role of NGOs, grassroots movements, and the impact of public opinion on political decisions. Ideal for A-Level students studying UK political structures and civil society.

PoliticsPolitics
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Understanding Pressure Groups

Explore the dynamics of pressure groups in UK politics with this comprehensive overview. This resource covers insider and outsider groups, promotional and interest groups, key examples like the BMA and Greenpeace, and the methods and influences of pressure groups. Ideal for AQA Politics students, it also delves into the pluralism debate and the role of lobbying in shaping policy.

PoliticsPolitics
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Comprehensive revision notes on the structure, ideologies, and historical development of the UK's major political parties: Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrats. Explore key concepts such as party systems, political ideologies, and the impact of minority parties on the political landscape. Ideal for students studying UK politics.

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Explore the critical factors influencing party success in politics, including leadership qualities, media influence, and party unity. This summary highlights the impact of social media and traditional media on voter perception and electoral outcomes, making it essential for A-level Politics students. Understand how these elements shape political parties and their strategies for success.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

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David K

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Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user