Pressure Groups & Politcal Parties

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Pressure Groups & Politcal Parties

Similarities

  • Many small political parties resemble pressure groups because they have narrow issue focus
  • Use elections as a tactical weapon
  • Both may form part of a larger social movement

Differences

  • Pressure groups seek to exert influence, parties seek to win power
  • Pressure groups always have narrow issue focus, some parties have broad issue focus
  • Pressure groups are not accountable, parties are
  • Pressure groups may promote civil disobedience whereas parties must behave responsibly

Overall comparison

Pressure groups and political parties are fundamentally different, however some smaller political parties such as the Green Party may be confused for a pressure group due to their narrow issue focus. They are however seeking to win power, therefore distinguishing them from a pressure group.

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