Pressure Groups – SS1 Government Lesson Note (Third Term)

A pressure group is an organised body of people with identical aims, values and interests who try to influence government policies to attain and protect their special interest.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define pressure groups and state their main features;
2. list and describe the types of pressure groups;
3. state the factors that help pressure groups to succeed and those that work against them;
4. describe the techniques pressure groups use to influence government;
5. explain the disadvantages of pressure groups;
6. distinguish a pressure group from a political party.

What are the features of a pressure group?

A pressure group has a common interest, an organised membership and the aim of influencing government without taking over power.

• Common interest: members share the same aims, values and concerns.
• Organised membership: the group has leaders, members and rules.
• Influence, not control: it presses government to act but does not seek to run the government.
• Narrow focus: it concentrates on the interest of its members, not on every national issue.

What are the types of pressure groups?

There are eight types of pressure groups: economic, professional, occupational, educational, religious, social, ethnic or cultural, and anomic.

• Economic pressure group: formed to protect business and trade interests, as in the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and cocoa producers’ unions.
• Professional pressure group: an association of trained professionals, as in the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
• Occupational pressure group: formed by workers in the same occupation to protect the job and their members, as in the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
• Educational pressure group: works to improve the educational system and protect members’ educational interests, as in student unions and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
• Religious pressure group: formed to pursue the religious interest of members, as in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
• Social pressure group: promotes the social interest and welfare of members, as in Old Boys and Old Girls Associations and youth clubs.
• Ethnic or cultural pressure group: promotes and protects the interests of an ethnic group, as in the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and Arewa groups.
• Anomic pressure group: organised against some government actions and ceases to exist once it achieves its aim.

What factors help pressure groups to operate effectively?

Six factors help pressure groups to operate effectively: size, unity, funds, leadership, government attitude and good organisation.

• Large size: the impact of a pressure group is felt more when it has a large membership than when it has a small one.
• Dedication and unity: a group is more effective when members are dedicated and united.
• Adequate funds: enough money is needed to sponsor the group’s programmes.
• Capable leadership: effectiveness depends largely on the quality of leaders. The more pragmatic and charismatic they are, the more effective the group.
• Attitude of government: a government that is willing to listen to the group makes its work easier.
• Good organisation and strategy: a well-organised group with a clear plan can operate very effectively.

What factors work against the success of pressure groups?

Seven factors work against the success of pressure groups: weak leadership, poor organisation, illiteracy, lack of funds, lack of dedication, inadequate political education and the type of government.

• Weak leadership: weak leaders make the group ineffective and unable to achieve its demands.
• Poor organisation: a poorly organised group will achieve little.
• Illiteracy: illiteracy among members works against the success of the group.
• Lack of adequate funds: an effective programme needs enough money.
• Lack of dedication among members: members who are not dedicated may not achieve the set goals.
• Inadequate political education: leaders and members who do not know their rights cannot be effective.
• The type of government: the system of government in a country affects success. A government that restricts freedom of association and speech makes it hard for groups to operate.

What techniques do pressure groups use?

Pressure groups use eight main techniques to influence government: dialogue, ultimatum, lobbying, demonstration, strike, violence, mass media and open air campaign.

• Dialogue: a formal discussion between the government and the pressure group for a peaceful settlement.
• Ultimatum: setting a date beyond which drastic action will be taken. Either party could be issued an ultimatum.
• Lobbying: persuading influential officials to support the position of the lobbyist.
• Demonstration: a protest procession along major routes to create awareness and win public support.
• Strike: the temporary withdrawal of services to put pressure on the government.
• Violence: the use of kidnapping, arson and riots to force the government to comply. It is unlawful and widely condemned.
• Mass media: intensive media campaigns through news features, advertisements, billboards and similar means.
• Open air campaign: public rallies held outdoors to address people and win their support.

What are the disadvantages of pressure groups?

Pressure groups have eight main disadvantages, which include self-interest, political instability, lawlessness, social disorder and corruption.

• They are self-centred: as interest groups, they seek only the interests of their members.
• Political instability: their activities may bring about the downfall of a government.
• Lawlessness: confrontational activities may encourage members to disobey the law.
• Social disorder: riots and violent demonstrations may cause chaos. Strikes, industrial actions and boycotts may seriously damage the economy.
• Illegitimate government: support given to a political party by a pressure group may produce a government without the true support of the people.
• Elitism: they are not organised to reach everybody in society.
• Damage to property: rioting may destroy a lot of government property.
• Corruption: lobbying may lead to the bribing of public officials.

What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?

A pressure group tries to influence government, while a political party tries to win elections and form the government.

• Pressure group: an organised group that presses government to protect a special interest.
• Political party: an organised group that seeks to win power through elections and run the government.

Evaluation

1. Define pressure groups.
2. State four types of pressure groups and give one example of each.
3. List four factors that help a pressure group to operate effectively.
4. Explain any three techniques used by pressure groups.
5. State two differences between a pressure group and a political party.

Assignment

Explain four factors that work against the success of pressure groups and state three disadvantages of pressure groups.