Web links
Pressure Groups
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/bbc_parliament/2443603.stm
Short but informative article on pressure groups from Hugh Berrington, Professor Emeritus at
the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne,
written for the BBC parliament online website
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node=pressure%20group
Basic introduction to pressure groups, including information on the various classifications
(insider/outsider; sectional/cause); how pressure groups can be effective; and whether they
aid or diminish the democratic process
http://australianpolitics.com/pg/impact/democracy.shtml
Australian perspective on the role of pressure groups and whether they enhance or distort the
political system
http://www.tutor2u.net/politics/content/topics/pressure_groups/pressure_democracy.htm
Very basic overview of the negative impact of pressure groups
http://www.tutor2u.net/politics/content/topics/pressure_groups/pressure_functions.htm
Similarly basic overview of the more positive functions of pressure groups
http://www.thinkhistory.btinternet.co.uk/uspressuregroupsimpactondemocracy.htm
Introductory-level article looking briefly at whether pressure groups are good or bad for US
democracy
http://www.modernstudies.org.uk/press.htm
Short, bullet-pointed overview looking in brief at what pressure groups are; what rights they
have; what responsibilities; the methods they use; and some examples of well-known
pressure groups
http://www.solent.ac.uk/library/subject/page112.stm
Webpage from Southampton Solent University offering links to various pressure group
websites
http://www.stonewall.org.uk/beyond_barriers/community/diverse_communities_active_lives/ra
ising_our_voices/1092.asp
Details on how to become a member of a pressure group and what this involves
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0006467
The role of pressure groups in Canada
http://www.philipallan.co.uk/images/359-T2.pdf
Short PDF chapter on the role of pressure groups in America, including the types/ functions/
importance of pressure groups
http://www.commondreams.org/views/081100-103.htm
Article from former deputy director of Greenpeace UK, Chris Rose, on whether the influence
of pressure groups is waning
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/vsmagazine/features/?id=3542
Article from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations offering insight into the act of
lobbying as a means of achieving objectives
http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:dk7ObUgDh9IJ:intranet.bell.ac.uk/sites/courses/pukir/
Shared%2520Documents/Interest%2520Groups.doc+insider+pressure+groups&hl=en&ct=cln
k&cd=30
Article addressing ‘The Role of Interest Groups in British Politics’