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SubjectFree lesson

Pressure Groups (Contd)

ClassNotes Team 2 MIN READUPDATED 5 JUL 2026

Government SSS 1 Third Term

WEEK 6

Pressure Groups (Contd)

Performance Objectives

Student should be able to know:

      i. Functions of the pressure group.

ii. Problems of pressure group.

iii. Difference between pressure group and political parties.

Function of Pressure Groups

1. Pressure groups offer useful suggestion and advise.

2. They act as a link between the government and the people.

3. They act a check against dictatorship.

4. Pressure groups provide useful information in the process of law-making.

5. They promote members of the country's interest.

6. Pressure groups provide specialised and expert information to the government.

7. They promote economic stability.

8. They assist the underprivileged in the country.

9. They help to prevent bribery and corruption.

10. Pressure groups make provision for educational programmes.

Problems of Pressure Groups

1. Small size (numerical strength is poor)

2. Lack of dedication among members

3. Lack of adequate funds.

4. Poor leadership.

5. Inadequate political education.

6. Poor organisation

7. Negative attitude of government towards the group.

The Difference between Pressure Groups and Political Parties

1. Pressure groups are to influence government policies and pursue the interests of the members, while Political parties are to contest election and control the government.

2. Pressure groups are self-seeking and not organised to reach everyone in the society, while political parties are organised to reach everyone in the society.

3. Pressure groups do not accommodate different groups in the society while political parties tends to accommodate virtually different interests in the society in terms of membership.

4. When pressure groups have successfully influenced the government with their aims achieved, they cease to exist, while political parties organise themselves into rallies, debates, lectures, seminars etc. with the ideologies, to win more follower-ship continuously.

5. Pressure groups candidates contest election for the leadership of their groups or unions and not for all(people of the country), while a candidate from political parties are to contest elections to be in government.