The big idea: A pressure group (or interest group) tries to influence government decisions — but, unlike a party, it does not want to win power itself.
Remember the contrast from the last topic: a party wants to be the government; a pressure group only wants to shape what the government does. It works from outside power.
- Interest (sectional) group — defends its members' interests, e.g. a trade union or a business association.
- Cause (promotional) group — promotes a cause for everyone, e.g. an environmental or human-rights group.
Insider or outsider: An insider group works closely with government (invited to advise). An outsider group pushes from outside through protests and the media. Both are non-state actors.
Free preview
This is the free notes preview
You're reading the free notes. Aimnova Pro unlocks the full study experience — and you can try it with your first topic free to keep:
- FlashcardsLock in vocabulary and key terms with spaced repetition.
- Practice questionsAnswer exam-style questions and get instant AI marking.
- Mock exams & past-paper vaultSit full mocks and see exactly how examiners award marks.
- Personalised study planA daily plan built around your exam date and weak areas.
Pressure groups do not just work at home — they also try to shape global decisions. Climate talks are a clear example.
Case study — industry lobbying at climate summits: At the yearly UN COP climate summits, industry lobbying groups send large teams to influence the talks. Fossil-fuel lobbyists, for example, push to soften or slow down agreements that would cut their business.
At the same time, environmental cause groups lobby the other way, for tougher targets. So the same summit sees pressure groups pulling in opposite directions — each trying to shape what states agree.
The key point: Pressure groups shape outcomes through lobbying, expertise and publicity — not by holding power. Their influence often depends on resources: a well-funded industry group can be louder than a small grassroots one.
Never wonder what to study next
Get a personalized daily plan based on your exam date, progress, and weak areas. We'll tell you exactly what to review each day.
So how powerful are pressure groups? Weigh both sides — and watch for unequal influence.
Link it up: Pressure groups raise a fairness question about power: whose voice is loudest? In an answer, note that a well-funded lobby can drown out a grassroots group — influence is real but unequal.
How pressure groups come up in Paper 1: A Paper 1 source might show a pressure group lobbying on a single issue. Remember what makes them different from parties: they want to influence those in power, not become the government themselves.
With reference to a source and one example you have studied, explain how pressure groups try to shape global decisions.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Easy marks to lose: 1. Confusing a pressure group with a party. A pressure group does NOT seek power.
2. No real example. Use lobbying at climate summits (or a trade union).
3. Missing the fairness point. Rich groups are louder than poor ones.
4. Ignoring the limits. Groups can be outspent, ignored or shut out.