New
New
What are pressure groups?
I can explain the work that pressure groups do and how they achieve their aims.
Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
- Year 11
What are pressure groups?
I can explain the work that pressure groups do and how they achieve their aims.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Pressure groups do not want power but try to shape government policy.
- Pressure groups fall into two categories: insider & outsider groups. They use a range of strategies: direct & indirect.
- Pressure groups may be successful without meeting all their aims; they can change public opinion or gain awareness.
Keywords
Pressure group - an organised group that put pressure on the Government, or those in power, to do something or change something
Influence - the power to affect or change someone's thoughts, actions, or decisions
Lobbying - when an individual or a group tries to persuade someone in Parliament to support a particular policy or campaign
Common misconception
Pressure groups are always fringe groups with little influence on the Government.
Pressure groups vary in size and influence. They can be insider groups which already support the Government in writing policies.
You may want to substitute an example pressure group with a local one to help pupils see how pressure groups work, locally and nationally.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which form of campaigning involves gathering signatures?
Which form of campaigning involves gathering signatures?
Q2.Which Act was introduced in 2022 to regulate protests?
Which Act was introduced in 2022 to regulate protests?
Police Powers Act
Police, Protest and Crime Act
Banning Protest Act
Q3.What do we call people who attempt to change society for the better?
What do we call people who attempt to change society for the better?
Q4.Match the word to its correct definition.
Match the word to its correct definition.
Q5.Which of the following statements best reflects the potential impact of breaking the law during a protest?
Which of the following statements best reflects the potential impact of breaking the law during a protest?
Breaking the law always strengthens public support for the protest cause.
Breaking the law has no impact on the effectiveness of a protest.
Protests that break the law are always ignored by the public and the Government.
Q6.Which of the following statements is true regarding the right to protest?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the right to protest?
The right to protest is unlimited and cannot be restricted.
Only specific groups of people have the right to protest.
Protests can only occur on government-approved days.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the key terms to the definition.
Match the key terms to the definition.
Q2.Which of these is a pressure group?
Which of these is a pressure group?
Labour Party
The Church of England
Q3.What do we call pressure groups that the Government go to for expert help?
What do we call pressure groups that the Government go to for expert help?
Q4.Some pressure groups ask their members to vote for certain parties that are more likely to support the group's aims. What is this called?
Some pressure groups ask their members to vote for certain parties that are more likely to support the group's aims. What is this called?
Q5.Which of these is an example of indirect action?
Which of these is an example of indirect action?
boycotting an organisation
protesting outside of Parliament
Q6.Which of the following statements are true?
Which of the following statements are true?
Pressure groups have little influence.
