Pressure Group Influence (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

The classification of pressure groups

• Pressure groups are organisations that seek to influence government policy without putting candidates forward for election

• They play a major role in UK democracy by providing expertise, representing interests and mobilising public participation

  • Their influence depends on their type, methods and relationship with the government

Types of pressure groups

Sectional groups

• These represent a specific section of society, such as a profession or union

  • E.g., the British Medical Association (BMA) represents doctors and campaigns on pay, working conditions, and NHS policy — membership is limited to qualified medics

Causal groups

• These groups campaign for a cause that benefits wider society, rather than just members

  • E.g., Greenpeace promotes environmental protection and climate action for everyone

Insider groups

• These have close links with government and are often consulted on new laws or policy decisions

  • E.g. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) regularly advises DEFRA on farming and food policy, for example, meeting with the new DEFRA Secretary of State on her first day in office in 2025

Outsider groups

• These lack government access and therefore rely on public pressure, media, and protest

  • E.g., Extinction Rebellion (XR) uses non-violent direct action and high-profile protests to draw attention to climate change

How pressure groups exert influence

• Pressure groups use a range of methods to influence government, including lobbying ministers, organising direct action, launching legal challenges and running media or petition campaigns

Factors affecting pressure group success

• Insider status gives direct access to decision-makers

• Public support increases media coverage and political attention

• Resources fund staff, research, campaigns and legal action

• Expertise makes groups valuable to government when drafting complex policy

• Opposition from rival groups or government reduces chances of success

• Methods can raise awareness, but disruptive action risks alienating the public

Comparing pressure group activity

How pressure groups support democracy

• Promote participation

  • Provide opportunities to engage in politics between elections

    • E.g., Around 300,000 people joined pro-Palestinian protests in London in 2024

• Improve political education

  • Raise awareness of issues neglected by government

    • E.g., River Action drew attention to river pollution during the 2024 Boat Race

• Represent minority interests

  • Give a voice to groups overlooked by political parties

    • E.g.,Liberty supported John Walker’s successful case for equal pension rights in 2017

• Hold government to account

  • Challenge government actions in courts and the media

    • E.g.,Liberty’s continued challenges to surveillance powers under the Investigatory Powers Act

• Provide expertise

  • Offer specialist knowledge that improves decision-making

    • E.g., Domestic abuse groups informed testing of emergency phone alerts

How pressure groups can hinder democracy

• Lack of accountability

  • Unelected groups can heavily influence policy

    • E.g., The IEA was linked to Truss’ mini-budget but could not be held accountable for its impact

• Elitism and unequal influence

  • Wealthy or well-connected groups gain disproportionate access

  • Seen in the influence of various “Tufton Street” organisations

• Disruptive or unlawful activity

  • Actions can inconvenience the public or undermine support

    • E.g., Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil caused major disruption to motorists

• Distortion of debate

  • Some groups spread disinformation that misleads the public

  • Includes anti-vaccine groups and conspiracy-driven campaigns