What are pressure groups? How are they different from political parties? Explain. 

Pressure groups are organisations which strive to influence the policies of the Government. They could do so by forming an organisation and undertaking activities to promote their interests or viewpoints. These organisations are formed when people with common occupation, interest, aspirations or opinions come together to achieve a common objective.

The following are the differences between pressure groups and political parties:

i. Unlike pressure groups which try to influence the Government’s policies, political parties are groups of people which come together to contest elections and hold power in the Government.

ii. While pressure groups tend to wield power, if any, without responsibilities, political parties aim at direct control or share of political power of the State.

iii. Pressure groups are not accountable to people, whereas political parties have to face the people in elections and thus have to be responsive to people’s needs and views.