Why is it sometimes difficult to distinguish between pressure groups and political parties (15 marks)

Authors Avatar

Why is it sometimes difficult to distinguish between pressure groups and political parties? (15 marks)

One reason that it may be difficult to distinguish between a pressure group and a political party is because members of both parties and pressure groups can stand in elections. One example of this is when a doctor stood against the closure of his hospital and won the seat for one term and stood as an independent. Also it is made clear that one of the differences between a political party and a pressure group is that a pressure group seeks to influence the decision made by government, whereas a political party seeks to become elected into government. But pressure groups are able to put up candidates for election, although this is generally done to gain media attention it contradicts the idea that pressure groups are not interested in gaining political power as if their candidate wins they will have political power. Some pressure groups are also seen to be converting themselves into political parties. This was true of the labour party which was formed from trade unions, UKIP are also another example of a pressure group converting into a political party. Therefore it can be seen that although there are clear divisions between pressure groups and political parties the lines are blurring, as pressure groups are putting up candidates for elections and some are converting into political parties.

Join now!

Another reason it may be difficult to distinguish between a pressure group and a political party is that some pressure groups may develop a wide range of policies. It is again made clear that one of the differences between a pressure group and a political party is that a pressure group usually has a narrow range of issues and a political party covers a full range of issues, this helps to separate the two. Some groups for example, fathers 4 justice want more rights for fathers but don’t have policies for defence or the economy unlike a political party. On ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

Here's what a teacher thought of this essay

2 Stars - Pressure groups and political parties are compared in a series of accurate and effectively explained points that demonstrate reasonably secure subject knowledge, but in terms of essay technique the answer is undermined by the lack of an introduction and conclusion and by a reliance on generalised comment over precise examples.