Explain why US Pressure Groups may use Direct Action to achieve their aims?

Intro: Pressure group- A group or body with a common aim trying to raise awareness and influence poicy making. Direct action is a tatic which draws in the attention of media, public and congressmen in the hope of furthering thier cause. Direct action can be both legal and illegal. Body: Used mainly by outsider groups, who have no access to the corridors of power, or hold office on 'K' street in Washington DC. Forced to use alternative methods, besides conventional such as lobbying. E.g. ALF in US May 1984- caused $60,000 worth of damage to Raid University of Pennsylvania head injury clinic due as they opposed the animal testing. Although illegal, the clinic was closed and Univeristy Cheif Veteran was fired. X-Ref to UK, ALF placing bombs under employees cars at the Huntingdon Life Sciences. Depends on the aim of the cause, some might just want to raise awarness to indirectly influence decision makers, such as attitude cause groups E.g. Million Mom March 2000, over gun laws. Succesful in some ways, but not in others. Another example, Marijuana Project Policy holding rallies and marches to legalise marijuana in Arizona- ballot was held, although unsuccesful. However/Conc: Doesn't always work. There is not one strategy or direct action method that will create sucess in achieving the groups aims. Even if public opinion is strongly supporting one ideology the government may still act against it. E.g. 2003 SF march, 23,000 people occupied the streets the oppose the Iraq War, had no affect whatsoever. While MLK's non-violent methods 'create such a crisis and foster such as tension' as to demand a response, civil rights movement involved succesful protests and marches.