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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
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Politics
12 Dec 2025
568
2 pages
Ever wondered how ordinary people and organisations can actually influence what the government does? Pressure groups are everywhere... Show more
You'll encounter sectional groups that represent specific people's interests, like trade unions fighting for better wages or the National Union of Students campaigning on your behalf. Then there are cause groups like Greenpeace, which champion particular issues that affect everyone, not just their members.
The real power divide comes between insider and outsider groups. Insider groups like the British Medical Association get direct access to ministers and civil servants - they're basically invited into the room where decisions happen. Outsider groups like animal rights protesters have to shout from the outside, using public campaigns and sometimes extreme tactics to get noticed.
Remember A group's insider/outsider status can change depending on which political party is in power!
Pressure groups influence politics through RIPE - Resources (money and staff), Ideology (clear beliefs), Popularity (public support), and Expertise (specialist knowledge). Groups like Stonewall have successfully changed laws around LGBT+ rights by combining all four elements effectively.
However, there's a dark side. Some argue that wealthy insider groups create a "tyranny of the minority" - like when banking associations get more government attention than ordinary voters. The "revolving door" between Parliament and big business also raises questions about whose interests really come first.
Pressure groups use everything from clicktivism (online campaigns) to direct action in the streets. You've probably seen this yourself - from Black Lives Matter protests to climate activists blocking roads. Some groups choose lobbying - quietly meeting MPs and offering expert advice on draft laws.
Strike action remains powerful, with 2.5 million working days lost to strikes in late 2022 alone. The key is matching your tactics to your resources - Extinction Rebellion uses dramatic stunts because they lack insider access, whilst the National Farmers' Union works behind closed doors.
Beyond pressure groups, think tanks like Policy Exchange shape political ideas by producing research and policy proposals. These groups of experts often have clear ideological leanings - some favour Conservative policies, others support Labour approaches.
Watch out Lobbyists spend around £2 billion annually trying to influence government decisions!
Judicial review has become increasingly important, with cases rising from 4,240 in 2000 to 15,600 in 2013. This allows judges to challenge government decisions, though critics worry about unelected judges having too much power over democracy.
Finally, big corporations wield enormous influence through their economic power and connections with former politicians. When Google paid just £130m in taxes from 2005-2016, it sparked debates about whether business interests override public interests in modern politics.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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
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.
PoliticsExplore 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.
PoliticsExplore 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.
PoliticsExplore the various types and functions of pressure groups, including insider and outsider classifications, methods of influence like lobbying and public campaigning, and factors determining their success. This summary provides a comprehensive overview for students studying political science and public policy.
PoliticsComprehensive 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.
PoliticsExplore 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.
PoliticsQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
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
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
Ever wondered how ordinary people and organisations can actually influence what the government does? Pressure groups are everywhere around you - from student unions fighting tuition fee rises to environmental groups campaigning against climate change. Understanding how these groups work... Show more
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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
You'll encounter sectional groups that represent specific people's interests, like trade unions fighting for better wages or the National Union of Students campaigning on your behalf. Then there are cause groups like Greenpeace, which champion particular issues that affect everyone, not just their members.
The real power divide comes between insider and outsider groups. Insider groups like the British Medical Association get direct access to ministers and civil servants - they're basically invited into the room where decisions happen. Outsider groups like animal rights protesters have to shout from the outside, using public campaigns and sometimes extreme tactics to get noticed.
Remember: A group's insider/outsider status can change depending on which political party is in power!
Pressure groups influence politics through RIPE - Resources (money and staff), Ideology (clear beliefs), Popularity (public support), and Expertise (specialist knowledge). Groups like Stonewall have successfully changed laws around LGBT+ rights by combining all four elements effectively.
However, there's a dark side. Some argue that wealthy insider groups create a "tyranny of the minority" - like when banking associations get more government attention than ordinary voters. The "revolving door" between Parliament and big business also raises questions about whose interests really come first.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Pressure groups use everything from clicktivism (online campaigns) to direct action in the streets. You've probably seen this yourself - from Black Lives Matter protests to climate activists blocking roads. Some groups choose lobbying - quietly meeting MPs and offering expert advice on draft laws.
Strike action remains powerful, with 2.5 million working days lost to strikes in late 2022 alone. The key is matching your tactics to your resources - Extinction Rebellion uses dramatic stunts because they lack insider access, whilst the National Farmers' Union works behind closed doors.
Beyond pressure groups, think tanks like Policy Exchange shape political ideas by producing research and policy proposals. These groups of experts often have clear ideological leanings - some favour Conservative policies, others support Labour approaches.
Watch out: Lobbyists spend around £2 billion annually trying to influence government decisions!
Judicial review has become increasingly important, with cases rising from 4,240 in 2000 to 15,600 in 2013. This allows judges to challenge government decisions, though critics worry about unelected judges having too much power over democracy.
Finally, big corporations wield enormous influence through their economic power and connections with former politicians. When Google paid just £130m in taxes from 2005-2016, it sparked debates about whether business interests override public interests in modern politics.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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
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.
PoliticsExplore 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.
PoliticsExplore 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.
PoliticsExplore the various types and functions of pressure groups, including insider and outsider classifications, methods of influence like lobbying and public campaigning, and factors determining their success. This summary provides a comprehensive overview for students studying political science and public policy.
PoliticsComprehensive 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.
PoliticsExplore 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.
PoliticsQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
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
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
Modern Studies
Sociology