1. What is happening in the picture?
What do you think the people protesting are trying to do?

2. Pressure Groups
People who have strong opinions on a particular issue often try to influence what happens by putting pressure on MP’s and people who make decisions. They are called pressure groups or sometimes lobby groups or protest groups
Some pressure groups work to protect the interests of their members, such as trade unions. Others work to promote a cause, such as animals rights.

3. Ways of protesting Which of these activities are extreme and illegal?
Advertising campaign
National TV coverage
Riot
Marches
Road blockades
Meeting government ministers
Meeting MP’s
Violence against people
Staging stunts to attract the media
Targeted violence
against property
Direct Action such as
setting animals free
Ways of protesting
Occupations
Petitions
Demonstrations
Letter writing campaign – to MP’s & Newspapers
Strike
Which of these activities are extreme and illegal?
Do you think violent tactics can every be justified?

11. RSPCA
Which of the ways of protesting do you think the RSPCA is most likely to use?
Which activities do you think would be most effective in influencing:
Public opinion
Politicians

12. Are pressure groups good for democracy?
The aim of a pressure group is to promote their cause so the people in power take notice. When this is a group like the RSPCA this is not a problem as most people would support the aims of the group. But when it is a cigarette company trying to influence the government to relax laws against smoking – some people we not be happy.

13. Sometimes pressures groups are in conflict with each other…..
Pedestrians Association
Promotes walking and
wants lower speed limits
Automobile Association
Protects the interests of motorists
Wants betters roads and cheaper
Fuel prices
Government Policies
on Transport
TBUS
Promotes public transport
Alternatives and want electric
run buses
SUSTRANS
Campaigns for sustainable
Transport. Wants more cycle
networks

14. And finally……. For Against
Look at the arguments and sort them into statements FOR/AGAINST pressure groups.
What’s your opinion?
I think pressure groups are GOOD for society because…..
I think pressure groups are BAD for society because…..