(4) Functions of a pressure group

(4) Functions of a pressure group

1. Mobilise public opinion

   • Pressure groups promote discussion and debate and mobilise public opinion on key issues. Groups can enthuse individuals, groups and sway the public to take up their cause.
   • The Arab spring •Stop the War Coalition •Poll Tax riots
   • Though mobilising the public they create support which creates pressure.

2. Education

   • Pressure groups perform a role in educating citizens about specific issues. These are issues in which the pressure groups themselves are experts in the field and therefore are able to offer advice and inform the public of the specifics of an issue.
   • •League Against Cruel Sports •Animal Aid •HACAN
   • Though education more people would support the pressure groups which means more pressure in the people in power

3. Encourage participation, pluralism and diversity

   • Pressure groups raise and articulate issues that political parties perhaps won't touch because of their sensitivity.
   • •OutRage! •Action on smoking and Health •Electoral Reform Society
   • Single issue pressure group applies pressure. This happens because they have a limited scope which mean they can focus on the a single issue

4. Single issues

   • Pressure groups raise and articulate issues that political parties perhaps won't touch because of their sensitivity.
   • •OutRage! •Action on smoking and Health •Electoral Reform Society
   • Single issue pressure group applies pressure. This happens because they have a limited scope which mean they can focus on the a single issue