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