Pressure groups democracy

Question 1

Marches and Demonstrations

Answer 1

Hundreds or even thousands of people take to the streets with banners, leaflets and loud speakers to raise awareness about their cause. This is successful as it makes the cause harder to ignore by it attracting media attention. This therefore puts pressure on the government to make a change.

For example, in 2018 some teachers belonging to the EIS (Education Institute Scotland) attended a march/demonstration in Glasgow calling for a 10% pay increase.
A second march was supposed to take place in March 2023.

Question 2

Direct Action

Answer 2

Direct action is where members of the pressure group will cause disruption to raise awareness about an issue. This will usually gain media attention and show the government that they are serious about an issue. The aim is to get to the government to pay attention and make a change.

For example, in 2023 teachers in Scotland belonging to the EIS (Educational Institute Scotland) took part in national strike days. This resulted in many schools having to close/disruption to pupil learning

Question 3

Illegal Publicity Stunts

Answer 3

Some pressure groups will take drastic, often controversial, action to get publicity about the cause they are fighting for. This shows the government that the pressure group feels strongly about an issue a that they will take measures to gain publicity and get the attention o policy makers. This will also attract media attention, further promoting their cause.

For example, in 2022 two members from the pressure group Just Stop Oil threw soup over a Van Gogh Painting in the London National Gallery.