Access the factors that are likely to determine whether pressure group’s are successful in achieving their aims

A pressure group is a group that tries to influence public policy in the interest of a particular cause. A sectional pressure group represents a specific section of society such as trade union or an employer’s association. Also known as an interest group. Whereas a promotional group is a pressure group that seeks to promote a cause rather than the interests of its own members. Which is also known as a cause group or an issue group. A second type of distinction that is used to classify pressure groups between insider and outsider groups. Insider groups are pressure groups that operate inside the political system, they are regularly consulted by government. Unlike insider groups , outsiders have no special links with government but seek more direct action.

It is often difficult to measure the success or otherwise of pressure groups. For some cause groups, the problem of measurement is straightforward, either nuclear weapons are or are not banned, the Nuclear power station is or is not built, but for most groups, especially sectional groups, the situation is not so clear.
Most pressure groups have a variety of goals and make a variety of compromises as part of their on going negotiations and campaigning. For some groups, success may just be ensuring that rival groups do not achieve some of their objectives. The reasons for why some pressure groups are more successful than others is due to their relationship with the government. Some insider pressure groups are in close contact with senior civil servants and ministers and are therefore able to influence legislation. For example, Trade Unions and the British Medical Association may be asked to share their expertise and policy details. These groups may be more successful than ‘outsider’ groups , who will find it hard to influence government legislation. These may be groups who wish to work with the government such as Greenpeace but because of their direct methods cannot always be associated with the government, for example Anti Animal Testing Groups. Therefore, these groups may be less successful in directly influencing the government.
Furthermore, a reason why some pressure groups are more successful is because of their financial situation and organisation. Pressure groups can receive money from membership fees and donations. Evidently, this results in pressure groups having a higher success rate as they can spend more money on advertising and employing professional lobbyists, scientists and other informed individuals. Ultimately, this can influence public opinion and the government, making the pressure group more successful. In addition the success of a pressure group is also based on their organisation, more publicity campaigns can keep the cause going and gain support from the public eye. In recent events, Ash was successful promoting the dangers of smoking which resulted in the ban in public areas. Therefore, this shows that wealthy and organised pressure groups may be more successful in influencing the government.
Moreover, a third reason why some pressure groups are more successful than others is due to the media. Media coverage plays a significant role in manipulating the views of the public, the media will portray a pressure group as important or not important which will therefore influence the public opinion. For instance, Live 8 used the media to raise awareness of problems in Africa, without media attention the pressure group would have been unsuccessful. This shows that the media helps to improve public image, however it is apparent that a well known charismatic leader can influence the success of a pressure group. For example, Bob Geldof and Bono helped to promote problems in Africa. This maintains that the media can determine the success of a pressure group.
In conjunction to the above, the decision on methods used can affect the success of pressure group. For instance, Amnesty International refuse to use militant methods to promote their cause. On the other hand, extreme methods used by pressure groups can lead to the alienation of public support. For instance, the direct action used by Father 4 Justice and Anti Animal Testing groups can often be of a violent nature. Therefore, this implies that the methods of practice used can affect the success of a pressure group.
Overall, the evidence above suggests certain groups are more successful than others, for example, groups with charismatic leaders can be popular in the public eye whereas groups using militant tactics can alienate public support. However the extent of the militant tactics can also increase success within pressure groups.