What defines a pressure group?

A pressure group is defined by its primary objective of influencing government policy and decision-making without directly participating in the electoral process. These groups often focus on specific issues such as the environment, education, health, or civil rights, and they employ various strategies to advocate their positions, including lobbying, public campaigns, and grassroots mobilization.

This understanding sets pressure groups apart from political parties, which actively seek to win elections and gain representation in government. While political parties put up candidates and pursue a broad range of policies, pressure groups typically concentrate on particular issues and aim to sway the political agenda in favor of their interests.

Moreover, community organizations that provide social services are distinct from pressure groups, as their primary focus is on delivering specific services rather than advocating for changes in government policy. Similarly, a political party is characterized by organized membership and an agenda aimed at contesting elections, which does not align with the non-electoral nature of pressure groups. Thus, the focus of pressure groups on influencing policies rather than participating in elections is the key feature that defines them.