a level politics pressure groups essay

Pressure Groups & Other Influences

Definitions.

A pressure group is an organised group of people that aims to influence the policies or actions of government.

Pressure groups have three key features:

• They seek to exert influence from outside, meaning they don’t try to win political power in the same way as a party
• Typically have a ‘narrow issue’ focus, for example, environmental issues, or (even more specific) opposing the building of an airport runway. Parties have much more of a broad focus in many policy areas
• Members are united by a shared belief or common set of interests. Parties, on the other hand, are united by, broadly, an ideological viewpoint

Types of pressure groups

Pressure groups can be categorised in a few ways, and can belong to more than one ‘category’.

They could be:

Interest groups: these are also known as sectional groups, because they represent a certain ‘section’ of society, for example, trade unions. Membership is linked to a particular occupation or part of society. Examples are the National Union of Teachers, the Confederation of British Industry, and the British Medical Association.

Cause groups: these are also known as promotional groups, because they seek to promote a particular cause, for example, charities and environmental groups. Anyone can join these groups, unlike sectional groups. Examples are Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the Electoral Reform Society.

Social movements: similar to a cause group, but lacking a formal structure. They are usually politically radical and aim to achieve a single objective.

Insider groups: these are groups regularly consulted by the government, with regular access to government ministers. The CBI is an example of this. Insider groups can be high or low profile. These groups tend to have influence because their aims are broadly in line with the government’s views. This is good due to the close access the groups have to government, but it can restrict the types of activities they would adopt.

Outsider groups: __ __these are groups with no links or access to government. They have to use other ways to have an impact, for example using the media or trying to influence public opinion. Examples include groups such as the Animal Liberation Front. Such groups may purposefully choose to be outsiders (due to their radicalism) or simply be denied access to government. The status of being an insider or outsider is more of a sliding scale than a binary classification. Outsider groups are often more well-known than insiders, due to the attention-grabbing tactics they use.

How do pressure groups exert influence?

Pressure groups attempt to exert influence in a number of ways. This will depend on how much access they have to government.

Ministers/civil servants: insider groups are involved in consultations with government officials. Ministers will use the knowledge and expertise of the group to formulate policy and to assess the potential impact of policy. Groups such as the CBI and BMA will often consult with ministers for these purposes.

Parliament: some groups exert influence through Parliament, through lobbying MPs, for example. Groups will write to MPs asking them to raise issues in Parliament or to initiate private members’ bills. Groups without direct access to ministers will often use this method.

Political Parties: some groups try to develop links with political parties. The link between the trade unions and the Labour Party is the best example of this. Trade unions provide substantial funding to the Labour Party, and in return, they have an influence on not only policy but also the election of the party leader, as many of the votes for leader historically came from trade union members. This influence was shown in __2010 __when Ed Miliband surprisingly defeated his brother David to become the leader. A large chunk of his votes came from trade union members.

Public opinion: outsider groups tend to try to influence public opinion in order to indirectly influence government policy. If enough public support for a particular issue is garnered, this will pressurise the government into taking action on the issue, as there may be electoral consequences if they don’t. This is seen in recent years through the organising of public protests against student tuition fees and cuts to the welfare budget. Public opinion can also be swayed by groups through appealing to certain people, for example, professionals in a certain field and journalists, who then may put pressure on the government to act.

Direct action: this includes measures such as strikes, blockades and boycotts, and is designed to disrupt the running of the country. Civil disobedience is also an element of this- breaking the law for what is seen as a justified, moral purpose. These actions are designed to pressurise the government into acting. Examples include anti-war campaigner Brian Haw protesting outside of Parliament for five years from 2001 .

The courts: some groups seek to influence through legal means. These are attempts to challenge government policy on legal grounds, through the use of judicial review. Even if unsuccessful, the challenges can gain publicity for the group’s cause. For example, opponents of the proposed high-speed rail link (HS2) took their argument to the Supreme Court in 2014 .

The above tactics are not just used by pressure groups in the traditional sense. Wealthy multinational corporations (and individuals), academic bodies, research groups and think tanks (groups formed to discuss and develop policy recommendations and proposals) will also attempt to influence government in similar ways.

Functions of pressure groups

Pressure groups provide a form of representation in the UK political system- they represent the interests of a particular group of people or represent the views on a particular issue. They are also a method of political participation. 40-50% of the UK population is a member of at least one pressure group. There have been some concerns raised however that many people join a group without actually actively participating much- this is known as the ‘chequebook group’ idea. Pressure groups also educate the public through raising awareness of the issues they campaign on. Finally, pressure groups are sometimes involved in policy formulation and implementation, through being insider groups. For example, the National Farmers’ Union works with the Department for Rural Affairs to implement policies relating to farming and agriculture.

Pressure Groups in A Level Politics – definition, types and examples

What are pressure groups? In the dynamic landscape of UK politics, various groups look to influence decision-making and policy formulation. One of these players in the political system is pressure groups, which look to represent specific groups of people outside of formal representation. From championing causes to advocating for specific sections of the population, pressure groups are integral to the democratic process. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of pressure groups and their impact on the UK political scene.

Cause Groups: Advocating for Ideals

Cause groups, also known as single-issue groups, are pressure groups formed around a particular cause, principle, or belief. These groups are driven by a shared vision for change and often seek to raise awareness and influence public opinion on their chosen issue.

A prominent example is Greenpeace, which campaigns for environmental protection and sustainable practices. Cause groups rely on public support and media coverage to amplify their message and generate momentum for their cause. They use a range of methods to influence change, including through lobbying, using social media and protesting.

Sectional Groups: Voicing Specific Interests

Sectional pressure groups, on the other hand, focus on representing the interests of a particular section of society, such as workers, professionals, or ethnic communities. These groups aim to secure tangible benefits or protections for their members.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) is a group that advocates for better working conditions and pay for railway workers and others in the UK’s transport network. They have risen to prominence in recent years as a result of their leader, Mick Lynch, and have staged over 50 days of strike action between 2022 and 2023.

The most common method used is strike action; by withdrawing their labour, they hope to demonstrate their importance within society and thus receive the benefits they are fighting for.

Social Movements: A Collective Voice for Change

Social movements encompass a broader scope of activism and often involve mass participation to bring about social, political, or cultural change. While not all social movements are pressure groups, many do exert pressure on authorities to address their grievances. An illustrative instance is the women’s suffrage movement, which fought for women’s voting rights. The power of social movements lies in their ability to reshape societal norms and challenge established power structures.

Insider Pressure Groups: Navigating the Halls of Power

Insider groups, also known as interest groups, are organizations that have regular access to policymakers and government officials. They aim to influence policy decisions by engaging in direct consultation and negotiation. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is a notable example of an insider group advocating for the interests of businesses and industries.

Insider groups can often provide expert advice and contribute to the policymaking process. Their methods are far more formal than outsider groups, as they are able to speak to politicians who can directly make changes for their members.

Outsider Pressure Groups: Pressuring from the Periphery

Outsider pressure groups, as the name suggests, lack regular access to policymakers and resort to more unconventional methods to exert pressure. These methods might include public protests, demonstrations, and awareness campaigns.

Outsider groups look to disrupt the status quo and draw attention to issues that might not receive immediate consideration. Extinction Rebellion, a movement focused on addressing the climate crisis, is a prime illustration of an outsider group. They use radical tactics, such as glueing themselves to roads and spray painting buildings.

Conclusion: What are pressure groups?

In conclusion, pressure groups are vital components of the UK political landscape, serving as conduits for diverse voices and concerns. Whether through cause groups advocating for change, sectional groups championing specific interests, or social movements driving societal transformation, these groups play a role in shaping policies and influencing public discourse.

Insider groups provide expert insights to policymakers, while outsider groups bring attention to neglected issues. Understanding the distinct roles of these pressure group categories is essential for comprehending the multifaceted nature of UK democracy and governance.

You can find out more about the methods used by pressure groups, and some case studies for your essays, as part of our UK Politics course .

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Types of Pressure Group

Pressure groups.

Pressure groups are organised groups of individuals brought together for the purpose of fulfilling a specific goal, or because of a common cause.

How pressure groups work

• Pressure groups aim to influence policies and political decisions or change public attitudes without looking to gain political office.
• Pressure groups have a narrowly focused aim or goal which is shared with all pressure group members.

Insider and Outsider Groups

Pressure groups can work inside the political system or put pressure on political players from the outside

Insider groups

• Insider pressure groups have regular contact with decision makers and so are able to work ‘inside’ the political system.
• Insider groups are often consulted on specific policy issues by government departments, MPs, political parties and committees.

Privileged insider group access

• Insider group privileged access may be based on the view that they are regarded as more moderate than other types of pressure group.
• Insider groups need to be careful to keep the government on their side, so tend not to make extreme demands.
• Insider group methods of influence involve working closely with those in the political system rather than more extreme methods such as direct action.

Examples of insider groups

• NICE (National Institute for Health Care and Excellence) work with the government to create policy around healthcare and the NHS.
• Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the National Farmers Union (NFU) are both regularly consulted by the government.
• The TaxPayers’ Alliance has close links to the Conservative party.

Outsider groups

• Outsider pressure groups are not consulted by the government, do not have direct and regular contact with decision makers and do not operate through influencing those within the political system.
• Outsider pressure groups aim to gain the support of public opinion.
• Outsider pressure groups undertake methods of influencing policy which involve working ‘outside’ the political system.
• "Potential" insiders may aim to work inside the political system.

Examples of outsider groups

• Fathers4Justice campaign for fathers to have equal rights after separation.
• Occupy Movement campaign for a balance between executive and worker pay.
• Amnesty International is an example of a potential outsider group.

Sectional and promotional groups

Groups may target issues in different ways. Sectional groups only target the interests of a certain section of society, and promotional groups target single issues.

Sectional groups

• Sectional groups represent a specific section of society.
• Sectional groups do not campaign for broader issues.
• Sectional groups are concerned with protecting and advancing the interests of their members.

Examples of sectional groups

• House Builders Federation represents the voice of the house building industry
• British Medical Association represents 160,000 doctors.

Promotional groups

• Promotional or Cause groups have a single issue which they are concerned with promoting.
• Promotional groups promote ideas that don’t directly benefit their members but which they believe will benefit the public in general.
• Promotional groups are more inclusive because they aim to create a large membership base.

Examples of promotional groups

• Stop HS2 want to stop the building of the second high-speed rail line in the UK.
• Greenpeace wish to end destruction of the environment.
• Mediawatch-UK want to promote "family values in the media".

1 Democracy & Participation

1.1 Representative & Direct Democracy

1.1.1 Direct Democracy

1.1.2 Pros & Cons of Direct Democracy

1.1.3 Representative Democracy

1.1.4 Pros & Cons of Representative Democracy

1.1.5 Comparing Types of Democracy

1.1.6 Case for Democratic Reform

1.1.7 End of Topic Test - Types of Democracy

1.1.8 Top Grade AO3/4 - Types of Democracy

1.2 Wider Franchise & Suffrage

1.2.1 History of the UK Franchise

1.2.2 Campaigns for Suffrage

1.2.3 End of Topic Test - Franchise & Suffrage

1.3 Pressure Groups & Other Influences

1.3.1 Types of Pressure Group

1.3.2 Functions of Pressure Groups

1.3.3 How Pressure Groups Influence

1.3.4 Case-Study Examples

1.3.5 Other Collective Orgs & Groups

1.3.6 End of Topic Test - Pressure Groups & Influences

1.3.7 Application Questions - Pressure Groups

1.4 Rights in Context

1.4.1 Development of Rights in the UK

1.4.2 The UK's Rights-Based Culture

1.4.3 End of Topic Test - Rights in Context

2 Political Parties

2.1 How Political Parties Work

2.1.1 Functions & Features of UK Political Parties

2.1.2 Funding of UK Political Parties

2.1.3 UK Funding Reform

2.1.4 End of Topic Test - Political Parties

2.1.5 Top Grade AO3/4 - Political Parties

2.2 Established Political Parties

2.2.1 The Conservative Party: History

2.2.2 The Conservative Party: Recent Leaders

2.2.3 The Labour Party

2.2.4 The Liberal Democrat Party

2.2.5 Ideas & Policies of UK Parties

2.2.6 End of Topic Test - Established Parties

2.2.7 Application Questions - Established Parties

2.3 Emerging & Minor Political Parties

2.3.1 Minority Parties

2.3.2 Minority Parties Case Studies

2.3.3 End of Topic Test - Minor Parties

2.4 UK Political Parties in Context

2.4.1 Different Party Systems

2.4.2 Political Spectrum

2.4.3 Factors Affecting Party Success

2.4.4 End of Topic Test - Parties in Context

2.4.5 Application Questions - Parties in Context

3 Electoral Systems

3.1 Different Electoral Systems

3.1.1 FPTP & STV

3.1.2 AMS & SV

3.1.3 End of Topic Test - Electoral Systems

3.1.4 Top Grade AO3/4 - Electoral Systems

3.2 Referendums & How They Are Used

3.2.1 Case For & Against Referendums

3.2.2 End of Topic Test - Referendums

3.2.3 A-A* (AO3/4) - Referendums

3.3 Electoral System Analysis

3.3.1 Electoral System Analysis

3.3.2 End of Topic Test - System Analysis

3.3.3 A-A* (AO3/4) - Electoral System Analysis

4 Voting Behaviour & the Media

4.1 General Election Case Studies

4.1.1 Case Studies of Elections

4.1.2 Factors Influencing Voting in Elections

4.1.3 End of Topic Test - Case Studies & Factors

4.1.4 A-A* (AO3/4) - Case Studies & Voting

4.2 Media Influence

4.2.1 Media Influence

4.2.2 End of Topic Test - Media Influence

5 Conservatism

5.1 Conservatism: Core Ideas & Principles

5.1.1 Pragmatism & Tradition

5.1.2 Human Imperfection & Organic Society/State

5.1.3 Authority & Hierarchy

5.1.4 Paternalism

5.1.5 Empiricism

5.1.6 Anti-Permissiveness

5.1.7 Radical Conservative Ideas

5.1.8 End of Topic Test - Core Conservatism

5.2 Conservatism: Differing Views & Tensions

5.2.1 Traditional Conservatism

5.2.2 One-Nation Conservatism

5.2.3 New Right Conservatism

5.2.4 End of Topic Test - Different Views

5.3 Conservative Thinkers & Ideas

5.3.1 Thomas Hobbes & Edmund Burke

5.3.2 Michael Oakeshott & Ayn Rand

5.3.3 Robert Nozick

5.3.4 End of Topic Test - Conservative Thinkers

5.3.5 A-A* (AO3/4) - Conservatism

6 Liberalism

6.1 Liberalism: Core Ideas & Principles

6.1.1 Individualism & Freedom/Liberty

6.1.2 The State & Rationalism

6.1.3 Equality & Social Justice

6.1.4 Liberal Democracy

6.1.5 Other Important Liberal Ideas

6.1.6 End of Topic Test - Liberalism

6.2 Differing Views And Tensions Within Liberalism

6.2.1 Classical Liberalism

6.2.2 Modern Liberalism

6.2.3 End of Topic Test - Tensions & Views

6.3 Liberal Thinkers & Ideas

6.3.1 John Locke & Mary Wollstonecraft

6.3.2 John Stuart Mill & John Rawls

6.3.3 Betty Friedan

6.3.4 End of Topic Test - Thinkers & Ideas

6.3.5 A-A* - Liberalism

7 Socialism

7.1 Socialism: Core Ideas & Principles

7.1.1 Fraternity & Co-operation

7.1.2 Capitalism & Common Ownership

7.1.3 Communism

7.1.4 Collectivism

7.1.5 Common Humanity

7.1.6 Equality

7.1.7 Social Class & Workers' Control

7.1.8 End of Topic Test - Socialism

7.2 Differing Views And Tensions Within Socialism

7.2.1 Differing Views And Tensions

7.2.2 End of Topic Test - Views & Tensions

7.3 Socialist Thinkers and Their Ideas

7.3.1 Socialist Thinkers: Marx & Engels

7.3.2 Socialist Thinkers: Webb & Luxemburg

7.3.3 Socialist Thinkers: Crosland and Giddens

7.3.4 End of Topic Test - Thinkers & Ideas

7.3.5 A-A* (AO3/4) - Socialism

8 The UK Constitution

8.1 Nature & Sources of UK Constitution

8.1.1 Development of the UK Constitution

8.1.2 Nature of the UK Constitution

8.1.3 Sources of the UK Constitution

8.1.4 End of Topic Test - Nature & Sources

8.2 Constitutional Change since 1997

8.2.1 Constitutional Reform 1997-2010 1

8.2.2 Constitutional Reform 1997-2010 2

8.2.3 Constitutional Reform 2010-15 & Reforms Since 2015

8.2.4 End of Topic Test - Reform

8.2.5 Application Questions - Reform

8.3 Role & Powers of Devolved UK Bodies

8.3.1 Devolution in England & Scotland

8.3.2 Devolution in Wales & Northern Ireland

8.3.3 End of Topic Test - Devolution

8.4 Debates on Constitutional Reform

8.4.1 Constitutional Reform & Devolution

8.4.2 Should the Constitution Be Codified?

8.4.3 End of Topic Test - Reform Debates

8.4.4 Application Questions - Codification & Devolution

9 The UK Parliament

9.1 Houses of Parliament

9.1.1 Houses of Parliament

9.1.2 Functions of the House of Commons

9.1.3 Functions of the House of Lords

9.1.4 End of Topic Test - Parliament

9.1.5 Top Grade AO3/4 - Parliament

9.2 Comparative Powers

9.2.1 Comparative Powers of the Houses

9.2.2 End of Topic Test - Comparative Powers

9.3 Legislative Process

9.3.1 Legislative Stages

9.3.2 Law-Making in the two Houses

9.3.3 End of Topic Test - Legislative Process

9.4 Parliament & Executive Interactions

9.4.1 Backbenchers

9.4.2 Select Committees

9.4.3 The Opposition

9.4.4 Ministerial Question Time

9.4.5 End of Topic Test - Parliament & Executive

9.4.6 Application Questions - Parliament & Executive

10 The Prime Minister & the Executive

10.1 The Executive

10.1.1 Structure of the Executive

10.1.2 Roles of the Executive

10.1.3 Powers of the Executive

10.1.4 End of Topic Test - PM & Executive

10.2 Ministerial Responsibility

10.2.1 Individual Ministerial Responsibility

10.2.2 Collective Ministerial Responsibility

10.2.3 End of Topic Test - Ministerial Responsibility

10.3 Prime Minister & the Cabinet

10.3.1 Role of the Prime Minister

10.3.2 Prime Minister's Powers

10.3.3 Limits on the Prime Minister's Powers

10.3.4 Role of the Cabinet

10.3.5 Prime Minister & Cabinet: Relations

10.3.6 Prime Minister & Cabinet: Balance of Power

10.3.7 Prime Minister & Cabinet: Case Studies

10.3.8 End of Topic Test - PM & Cabinet

10.3.9 Top Grade AO3/4 - PM & Cabinet

11 Relationships Between Government Branches

11.1 The Supreme Court

11.1.1 Role & Composition

11.1.2 Principles & Influence of the Supreme Court

11.1.3 End of Topic Test - Supreme Court

11.2 Parliament & Executive Relations

11.2.1 Parliament & Executive: Questions

11.2.2 Parliament & Executive: Committees

11.2.3 Parliament & Executive: Voting

11.2.4 Executive Dominance Over Parliament

11.2.5 Balance of Power

11.2.6 End of Topic Test - Parliament & Executive

11.2.7 A-A* (AO3/4) - Relationships Between Government

11.3 The European Union & the UK

11.3.1 Aims & Policy Making of the European Union

11.3.2 End of Topic Test - EU & UK

11.4 Sovereignty in the UK Political System

11.4.1 Sovereignty in the UK Political System

11.4.2 End of Topic Test - Sovereignty

12 US Constitution & Federalism

12.1 Nature of the US Constitution

12.1.1 Nature of the US Constitution

12.1.2 Nature: Positives & Negatives

12.1.3 Constitutional Framework

12.1.4 The Amendment Process

12.1.5 End of Topic Test - Nature US Constitution

12.2 Principles of the US Constitution

12.2.1 Federalism

12.2.2 Separation of Powers/Checks & Balances

12.2.3 Bipartisanship

12.2.4 Limited Government

12.2.5 End of Topic Test - Constitutional Principles

12.3 Federalism

12.3.1 Main Characteristics

12.3.2 Federal Government and the States

12.3.3 End of Topic Test - Federalism

12.4 Interpretations & Debates

12.4.1 Democracy in the Constitution

12.4.2 Federalism

12.4.3 End of Topic Test - Debates

12.4.4 A-A* (AO3/4) - US Constitution

13 US Congress

13.1 Structure of Congress

13.1.1 Structure of Congress

13.1.2 Distribution of Powers

13.1.3 End of Topic Test - Congress Structure

13.2 Functions of Congress

13.2.1 Representation

13.2.2 Legislative

13.2.3 Oversight

13.2.4 End of Topic Test - Functions of Congress

13.3 Interpretations & Debates

13.3.1 Changing Roles & Powers

13.3.2 Changing Significance of Parties & of Powers

13.3.3 End of Topic Test - Debates

13.3.4 Application Questions - US Congress

14 US Presidency

14.1 Presidential Power

14.1.1 Formal Sources of Presidential Power

14.1.2 Informal Sources of Presidential Power

14.1.3 Powers of Persuasion

14.1.4 End of Topic Test - Presidential Power

14.2 The Presidency

14.2.1 President Relationship with Other Institutions

14.2.2 Limitations on Presidential Power

14.2.3 US Presidents Achieving Their Aims

14.2.4 End of Topic Test - Presidency

14.3 Interpretations & Debates of the US Presidency

14.3.1 The Imperial Presidency

14.3.2 The President in Foreign Policy

14.3.3 End of Topic Test - Debates

14.3.4 A-A* (AO3/4) - US Presidency

15 US Supreme Court & Civil Rights

15.1 Nature & Role of Supreme Court

15.1.1 Nature & Role of the Supreme Court

15.1.2 End of Topic Test - Nature & Role

15.2 Supreme Court Appointment Process

15.2.1 Appointment Process

15.2.2 Supreme Court Membership

15.2.3 End of Topic Test - Appointments

15.3 The Supreme Court & Public Policy

15.3.1 Supreme Court & Public Policy

15.3.2 End of Topic Test - Public Policy

15.4 Protection of Civil Liberties & Rights

15.4.1 Protection of Civil Liberties & Rights

15.4.2 Race & Rights in Contemporary US Politics

15.4.3 End of Topic Test - Rights & Liberties

15.5 Debates & Interpretations of the Supreme Court

15.5.1 Political Nature of the Supreme Court

15.5.2 Judicial Interpretation

15.5.3 Supreme Court Checks & Balances

15.5.4 End of Topic Test - Debates

15.5.5 Application Questions - The Supreme Court

16 US Democracy & Participation

16.1 Presidential Elections

16.1.1 Presidential Elections

16.1.2 Primaries

16.1.3 National Party Conventions

16.1.4 End of Topic Test - Presidential Elections

16.2 Electoral College

16.2.1 Electoral College System

16.2.2 Reforms

16.2.3 End of Topic Test - Electoral College

16.3 Electoral Campaigns

16.3.1 Issues in Elections

16.3.2 End of Topic Test - Campaigns

16.4 Incumbency

16.4.1 Elections & Incumbency

16.4.2 End of Topic Test - Incumbency

16.4.3 A-A* (AO3/4) - Elections & Electoral College

16.5 Democrats & Republicans

16.5.1 National & State Level Organisation

16.5.2 Democratic & Republican Policies

16.5.3 Changing Party Significance

16.5.4 End of Topic Test - Democrats & Republicans

16.6 Internal Conflict & Ideology

16.6.1 Types of Democrats

16.6.2 Types of Republicans

16.6.3 End of Topic Test - Internal Conflict

16.7 Support & Demographics

16.7.1 Coalition of Supporters

16.7.2 End of Topic Test - Party Support

16.8 Interest Groups

16.8.1 Political Significance of Interest Groups

16.8.2 Interest Group Influence & Impact on Democracy

16.8.3 End of Topic Test - Interest Groups

16.8.4 Application Questions - Parties, Ideology & Groups

17 Comparing Democracies

17.1 Theoretical Approaches

17.1.1 Theoretical Approaches

17.1.2 End of Topic Test - Approaches

17.2 UK & USA Similarities & Differences

17.2.1 Constitution: Nature

17.2.2 Constitution: Provisions & Principles

17.2.3 Federal System & Devolution

17.2.4 Legislative: Lower Houses of Government

17.2.5 Legislative: Upper Houses of Government

17.2.6 Legislative: Powers & Functions

17.2.7 Executive

17.2.8 Supreme Court

17.2.9 Supreme Court: Judicial Independence

17.2.10 Civil Rights

17.2.11 Civil Rights: Interest Groups

17.2.12 Party Systems & Parties

17.2.13 Campaign Finance & Pressure Groups

17.2.14 End of Topic Test - Comparing UK & US

17.2.15 Application Questions - UK & USA

18 Feminism

18.1 Feminism: Core Ideas & Principles

18.1.1 Context of Feminism

18.1.2 Sex & Gender

18.1.3 Patriarchy & The Personal is the Political

18.1.4 Difference, Egalitarian & Intersectionality

18.1.5 Key Themes

18.1.6 End of Topic Test - Core Ideas & Principles

18.2 Different Types of Feminism

18.2.1 The Waves of Feminism

18.2.2 Socialist & Radical Feminism

18.2.3 Post-Modern Feminism

18.2.4 End of Topic Test - Different Types of Feminism

18.3 Feminist Thinkers & Their Ideas

18.3.1 Charlotte Gilman & Simone de Beauvoir

18.3.2 Kate Millett

18.3.3 Sheila Rowbotham & bell hooks

18.3.4 End of Topic Test - Feminist Thinkers & Ideas

18.3.5 A-A* (AO3/4) - Feminism

19 Nationalism

19.1 Nationalism: Core Ideas & Principles

19.1.1 Nations & Self-Determination

19.1.2 Nation-States & Culturalism

19.1.3 Racialism & Internationalism

19.1.4 Civic & Ethnic Nationalism

19.1.5 Liberal & Socialist Internationalism

19.1.6 Key Themes

19.1.7 End of Topic Test - Core Ideas & Principles

19.2 Different Types of Nationalism

19.2.1 Liberal & Conservative Nationalism

19.2.2 Post-Colonial & Expansionist Nationalism

19.2.3 Progressive & Regressive Nationalism

19.2.4 Inclusive & Exclusive Nationalism

19.2.5 End of Topic Test -Different Types of Nationalism

19.3 Nationalist Thinkers & Their Ideas

19.3.1 Jean-Jacques Rousseau & Gottfried von Herder

19.3.2 Giuseppe Mazzini & Charles Maurras

19.3.3 Marcus Garvey

19.3.4 End of Topic Test - Nationalist Thinkers & Ideas

19.3.5 A-A* (AO3/4) - Nationalism

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End of Topic Test - Franchise & Suffrage

Functions of Pressure Groups

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Edexcel Politics A Level - Model essay (1750 + words) on pressure groups success

Subject: Government and politics

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Other

Last updated

29 October 2020

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A model essay (1750+ words), rich with examples, answering the following question:

Evaluate the extent to which pressure groups succeed due primarily to their insider status. You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]

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Pressure Groups

A pressure group is an organisation with shared aims which seeks to influence policy through political means, without seeking political office itself.

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More strike action by doctors

3rd June 2024

Rail ticket office closure U-Turn

2nd November 2023

A Level Politics tutor2u Halloween Quiz

Quizzes & Activities

Starmer glitter bomb

12th October 2023

Just Stop Oil in the news again

6th October 2023

Is direct action counter-productive?

10th July 2023

Concerns about an end to peaceful protest

8th May 2023

Extinction Rebellion move away from direct action

5th May 2023

Pressure group success - the CBI

28th April 2023

Republic - anti-monarchy pressure group

13th March 2023

An end to radical direct action?

10th March 2023

Pressure Groups: Strike action by doctors

23rd February 2023

Sunak (and Starmer) court the CBI

25th November 2022

Direct action: helpful or harmful?

1st November 2022

Animal Rebellion - with videos

8th September 2022

Anti-monarchy protests and the debate over free speech

14th September 2022

Don't Pay UK - A New Pressure Group

9th August 2022

Pressure group success: rail strikes as a case study

19th July 2022

Immigration protests - a good example of direct action

16th June 2022

Abortion rights USA

3rd May 2022

Gun control USA

21st April 2022

Topical examples from the weekend's press and links to related past blogs

18th April 2022

Extinction Rebellion 2022

8th April 2022

TaxPayers' Alliance latest local government rich list

7th April 2022

Pressure groups: a tale of two issues

30th October 2021

Pressure group tactics spectacularly backfiring

22nd September 2021

Green New Deal Rising

20th September 2021

Another week, another example of direct action

14th September 2021

Re-evaluating success of Extinction Rebellion (XR)

8th September 2021

Pressure Group Activity - Focus on Direct Action

30th August 2021

Tax cuts for the rich increase their income, but there are no boons for wider society...

29th July 2021

Pupil Power: a good pressure group example

9th July 2021

A plug for BBC's Newsnight

25th May 2021

Direct action by pressure groups

12th April 2021

Links between ex-government ministers and business

9th April 2021

Judges and civil liberties - the Clapham Common case

24th March 2021

US Pressure Groups Free Resources

6th January 2017

Causal pressure group

Study Notes

Direct action

Minority party, insider pressure group, outsider pressure group, pressure group, sectional group, social movements, civil liberties, european parliament, unit 3 essay example: "direct democracy is good in theory; however, it is often bad in practice. discuss ", unit 4 essay advice: "“lacking in effective leadership” assess this claim about the us congress", clapham common, peaceful protest and bad timing.

16th March 2021

The Clapham Common vigil and pressure group activity

15th March 2021

The Stansted 15 case

5th February 2021

A good example of pressure group methods

3rd February 2021

Examples of direct action pressure group success are like London buses!

2nd February 2021

Another good example of direct action by pressure groups (with video clip)

27th January 2021

Direct action activity

15th January 2021

Pressure group theory and the case of Extinction Rebellion

6th October 2020

Pressure Groups - Clear The Deck Key Term Knowledge Activity

Environmental pressure groups celebrate as Court of Appeal declares Heathrow third runway illegal

28th February 2020

Pressure groups - 'Double Agent' activity

Pressure groups in the uk "concentration" activity, pressure groups "match up" activity, think tanks, non-participation.

Political disengagement in the UK

7th August 2017

Example Essay UK Politics - do pressure groups always undermine democracy?

16th May 2016

RSPCA to become less adversarial

The national rifle association - the most influential pressure group in the world.

27th January 2016

Should Jeremy Corbyn leave 'Stop the War'

10th December 2015

What's the point of Party Conferences?

29th September 2015

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Pressure Groups

Lesson 1: pressure groups.

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Document Details

• Word Count 1889
• Page Count 5
• Level AS and A Level
• Subject Politics

Related Essays

Pressure Groups.

pressure groups