Pressure Groups in the US

Pressure groups (also called interest groups or lobby groups) play a central role in American politics. The United States has an exceptionally rich and diverse pressure group landscape, reflecting its pluralist political culture and the multiple access points provided by federalism, the separation of powers, and the relatively weak party system. For Edexcel A-Level Politics, understanding how US pressure groups operate, their influence, and how they compare with UK pressure groups is essential.

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What Is a Pressure Group?

A pressure group is an organisation that seeks to influence government policy without seeking to hold political office itself. Pressure groups differ from political parties in that they:

• Focus on specific issues rather than a broad governing programme
• Seek to influence policy-makers rather than become policy-makers
• Are not accountable to the electorate through elections

Types of Pressure Groups