AO1: Pressure groups achieve limited success as their influence and power is restricted. AO2: It is wrong to imply that all that pressure groups enjoy is success. All too often pressure groups fail – this could be for example the failure of environmental groups to halt climate change and the use of fossil fuels. AO3: We can conclude that pressure groups have a greater association with lost causes than victories and thus we may conclude that their influence is limited. AO1: Pressure groups have less political influence than other political bodies. AO2: Equally it is incorrect to think that all political influence arises with pressure groups and that they dominate the political agenda there are other equally influential forces in politics. AO3: We can conclude that the influence of current events – such as the forces of the market and economic conditions – are more important than pressure groups. AO1: A government with a secure majority and an endorsed manifesto can ignore pressure groups. AO2: Power really lies with an elected government and their leaders rather than pressure groups who carry democratic legitimacy. AO3: We can conclude that the influence and thus the impact of pressure groups is limited as their role lacks political accountability and responsibility. AO1: Pressure groups have to face the fact that opposing pressure groups as well as governments may oppose them. AO2: Not only do pressure groups have to convince those in power, it is normal that pressure groups have to contend with rival pressure groups challenging their views– the contest could be between employers and workers or pro- or anti-hunting groups. AO3: so we can arrive at the verdict that it is more accurate to imply that the pressure groups on one side of a debate may succeed, but the others fail.

AO1: Pressure groups are essential and bring huge benefits as they create positive change in society – in areas such as the environment and equality. AO2: Consider the milestones achieved by pressure group action: equal political rights, the plight of those harmed by big multi-national companies, the protection of the environment etc. They have given disadvantaged sections of society a voice and delivered meaningful change. AO3: We can conclude that this is a huge benefit and a major source of influence. AO1: Governments reach out to pressure groups for their advice and guidance on decision making. AO2: Few major changes in certain areas of society would progress without the interaction between government departments and pressure groups. AO3: We can reach a verdict that open dialogue by pressure groups with government carries major influence. AO1: Well-organised pressure groups with resources and winning the battle of ideas can make even strong governments act. AO2: Weak governments with small or no majorities have to give way to the causes of some pressure groups who are well organised and are in tune with the public mood. AO3: We can conclude that pressure groups can carry a significant amount of influence. AO1: Pressure groups have a large influence on the policies and ideas of political parties. AO2: Political parties are well aware that pressure groups come up with good ideas and policies and parties have to take a position on events and ideas. AO3: We can conclude that pressure group influence is highly important as their ideas may become legislation if approved of by the main parties.