Pressure Groups and Public Opinion
Explain how organised groups influence policy and how public opinion is formed.
Pressure groups shape policy without seeking to form government.
- Define a pressure group.
- Distinguish pressure groups from political parties.
- Name methods pressure groups use.
Pressure Groups
A pressure group is an organised group that tries to influence government decisions in favour of a shared interest. Examples include trade unions, professional associations, student unions and faith-based associations.
Methods
- Lobbying legislators and officials.
- Public campaigns and media engagement.
- Petitions and peaceful protests.
- Strikes and boycotts.
- Legal action in the courts.
Public Opinion
Public opinion is the shared view of a significant part of the population. It is shaped by the media, education, family, religious institutions and social media, and it can influence elections and policy.
A teachers' union lobbies against a policy that would reduce training funding.
A health association campaigns for higher tobacco taxes.
A student union organises a peaceful protest over campus safety.
Practice
- Define a pressure group.
- State two differences between a pressure group and a political party.
- Name three methods pressure groups use.
Recap
Pressure groups influence policy through lobbying, campaigns and protest. Public opinion is shaped by many social forces.
AI Notes
Get AI-powered summaries, key points, and quick revision notes for this lesson — available with Premium.
Unlock AI NotesContents
Citizenship and Participation
0/3 lessons completed