Pressure Groups

What are pressure groups?

• Organisations of people who believe in the same cause
• They have strongly held views and wish to influence some aspect of society
• Groups of people working together usually have more effect than individuals

What rights do pressure groups have?

• They have the right to criticise the government
• They have the right to hold meetings
• They have the right to protest
• They have the right to make their views known by using the media

What responsibilities do pressure groups have?

• They have the responsibility to base their criticism on fact
• Meetings should be peaceful and legal
• They should inform the local authorities and the police when they are making a protest
• They have a responsibility not to intimidate

What methods do pressure groups use?

• Internet - email and web sites
• Letters
• Lobbying
• Petitions
• Demonstrations
• Mass media campaigns (T.V., radio and newspapers)

What are some pressure groups?

• Shelter - aim to help homeless people
• Amnesty international - defends human rights
• Greenpeace - campaigns on environmental issues
• CBI (Confederation of British Industry) - promotes business interests
• TUC (Trade Unions) - promotes workers interests
• ASH (Action on Smoking Health) - anti-smoking group
• FORREST - pro smoking group

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