(a)Pressure group may be defined as a body of organised group of people with a defined interest, wishing to influence the policies of government as it affects the welfare of its members. Pressure groups do not involve themselves in contesting elections, nor are they ready to control the machinery of government.
(b) The mode of operation of pressure groups are:
(i) Consultation: The government in most cases consult with the officials of pressure group before issues affecting them are made and implemented.
(ii) Ultimatum: It comes from the officials of pressure groups to employers, after all avenues for negotiation have broken down. Failure on the part of the employer to comply may give rise to strike action.
(iii) Lobbying: Members of the legislature or the executive could be lobbied by pressure groups. This may result in policies or laws made favourable to their members.
(iv)Strikes and boycott actions: These actions are carried out by pressure groups if the ultimatum given expires without a positive response from the government or the employer.
(v) Mounting pressure on the executive: It is done to influence some government actions in favour of their members, e.g. the executive coming up with some legislation or refusing to sign some bills into law.
(vi) Forming alliance with political parties: Pressure groups in most cases form an alliance with political parties. They work towards influencing the election results, so that the ruling party will come up with programmes and policies favourable to members of the pressure group.
(vii) Propaganda and campaign: They make effective use of the media for their campaigns and propaganda. This is done in order to mobilise the support of the people towards their goal.
(viii) Demonstrations: Demonstration in this respect may be peaceful or violent. Pressure groups apply any or a combination of these to achieve their goals.
(ix) Presenting protest letters: They present these letters to legislature and even to government officials as a means of achieving their aims.
(x) Hijacking, rioting, holding people hostage etc: Government property could be hijacked, some government officials may be forcefully detained or held hostage. Pressure groups may even, in addition, indulge in rioting mainly to achieve their aims.