| What is a pressure group? | an organised group of people that aims to influence the policies or actions of government. |
| What are the different types of pressure groups? | Interest groups, Cause groups, Social movements, insider groups, outsider groups |
| What are the functions of a pressure group? | 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. 40-50% of the UK population is a member of at least one pressure group. sometimes involved in policy formulation and implementation, through being insider groups. |
| What are the key features of a pressure group? | They seek to exert influence from outside, Typically have a ‘narrow issue’ focus, for example, environmental issues, Members are united by a shared belief or common set of interests. |
| An example of pressure groups helping to form policy? | For example, the National Farmers’ Union works with the Department for Rural Affairs to implement policies relating to farming and agriculture. |
| What is an interest group? | also known as sectional groups, because they represent a certain ‘section’ of society, for example, trade unions. |
| What is a social movement? | similar to a cause group, but lacking a formal structure. They are usually politically radical and aim to achieve a single objective. |
| What is a cause group? | also known as promotional groups, because they seek to promote a particular cause |
| What is an insider group? | these are groups regularly consulted by the government, with regular access to government ministers. |
| What is an outsider group? | these are groups with no links or access to government. They have to use other ways to have an impact |
| What is an example of an interest group? | the National Union of Teachers, the Confederation of British Industry, and the British Medical Association. |
| What is an example of an insider group? | BMA, CBI, Trade unions under a Labour government. |
| What is an example of an outsider group? | XR, PETA, Animal Liberation Front |
| What is an example of a cause group? | Examples are Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the Electoral Reform Society. |
| What is an example of a social movement? | BLM, Civil Rights movement, Pro choice movement, Me Too movement. |
| What did Douglas Hurd say about pressure groups? | "serpents that strangle efficient government" |
