What are the functions of pressure groups.

Educative ; pressure groups have a educative function in that they can provide information and education about their specific cause and spread awareness on the issue .E.g. the Heathrow Association for the control of Aircraft Noise provide information about noise        pollution in and around the airport and their education stretches for around a 200 mile radiusParticipative; pressure groups have a participative function in that they offer another way for citizens to be politically active. This has become increasingly important as the membership of political parties has decreased over the past 25 years whereas the number of people joining pressure groups and the number of pressure groups being formed is on the rise.E.g. citizens can participate in marches held by groups such as those by the countryside alliance or they can sign petitions created by pressure groups such as the petition from Migration watch UK to stop the UK’s population exceeding 70millionRepresentative; pressure groups have a representative function. The existence and work of pressure groups allows there to be a voice for those in society who are not adequately represented to have their voices heard and their concerns noted. Pressure groups can be the vital link between minorities and the government.