The Role of Pressure Groups in Britain

General Elections in Britain are usually held only once every five years. Governments can seem to be remote from the people they represent. The process of protesting about government actions is very slow, even though everyone is permitted direct contact to their member of Parliament. (46)

Pressure groups will seek to influence those who have political power, such as members of Parliament. (47) If members of a pressure group feel that there is public support from outside their group for their demands, they will tell members of Parliament about this.

Pressure groups will thus seek to get support from the public. A powerful way of doing this is by making use of the mass media. (48) Meanwhile, the group will have to be sure of its facts, and fact-finding is thus an important part of its work. Up-to-date information can be made known to members of Parliament and to the general public.

Pressure groups will not only seek to make their causes known to government, but also try to inform and influence the public. (49)

Pressure groups may support political parties, but will lay stress only on some of their policies. For instance, the Monday Club will support the more right-wing policies of the Conservative Party. (50)

A A good example of this sort of activity is provided by the educational work of "Shelter", which fights for better housing for poor people.

B They will want to tell them what policy their interest demands.

C For all these reasons there is something of a vacuum between government and the governed, which pressure groups help to fill.

D There can also be public meetings, demonstrations, etc.

E Governments always stay close to the people.

F However, a pressure group is not a political party, because it does not seek complete or continuous political power.

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