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This lesson examines pressure groups — organised groups that seek to influence government policy without seeking to hold office. Pressure groups are a vital part of a pluralist democracy and provide citizens with a channel for political participation between elections.
A pressure group (also called an interest group or advocacy group) is an organisation that seeks to influence public policy on a particular issue or set of issues. Unlike political parties, pressure groups do not seek to win elections or form a government.
| Feature | Pressure Group | Political Party |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Influence policy on specific issues | Win elections and form government |
| Scope | Narrow (often single-issue) | Broad range of policies |
| Candidates | Do not stand candidates | Stand candidates in elections |
| Accountability | Accountable to members | Accountable to the electorate |
Sectional groups represent the interests of a particular section of society. Membership is usually restricted to those who belong to that section.
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