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At elections the people decide which representatives they want to make decisions on their behalf. However, elections can be as much as four or five years apart so people must have other ways of influencing their representatives.

One way is through pressure groups. Pressure groups are organisations of people with similar opinions. Pressure groups do not want power for themselves instead they want to influence those in power. They also encourage responsible participation in the democratic process.

There are many pressure groups in the UK that aim to influence political decision-making. Many UK-wide pressure organisations will have a separate Scottish section that aims to influence Scottish Parliament on some of their devolved powers.

How do pressure groups work?

Pressure groups use a number of different legal methods to put their views across:

1. Posting leaflets through doors or knocking on doors and talking to people.
2. Taking part in demonstrations, marches or attending rallies.
3. Organising petitions.
4. Lobbying (speaking directly to) MSPs or councillors.
5. Writing letters to politicians or to newspapers.
6. Giving interviews which are reported in the media (radio, TV and newspapers) or taking part in publicity stunts to gain media attention.

Developments such as Freedom of Information laws, the internet, social networking and a 24/7 media, mean pressure groups are aware of their power and are becoming increasingly professional in the way they work.

There are many groups in Scotland who aim to influence political decision making.

For example, pressure groups covering education or health will have a very strong focus on the Scottish Parliament as these are dealt with as devolved matters in Scotland and are different to the rest of the UK. Pressure groups covering defence or immigration are more likely to focus on the UK Parliament, where these reserved matters are dealt with.

Insider pressure groups in the UK

Insider groups are those that have the support and the attention of the government. They will often approach them for advice and have regular discussions about laws.

For example, the British Medical Association is a pressure group. They will rarely organise demonstrations or marches. Instead, they usually rely on meetings with the Government. They tend to be behind the scenes and away from the cameras to influence decision making.

Outsider pressure groups in the UK

Outsider pressure groups are those who do not have influence in the government. This means that they tend to use media-based, high profile campaigns to capture public attention. Outsider pressure groups include Greenpeace, CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) and Surfers Against Sewage.