Legal Methods

Question 1

Point

Answer 1

One method that pressure groups use to express their opinion on matters and attempt to influence decision makers is through the use of legal methods.

Question 2

explain

Answer 2

These methods include petitions which are sent to politicians in the hope that if they get many of them then they will do something about it. Pressure groups also use demonstrations which is when large groups of people gather for a march to show their support for a particular cause, if the government see’s a widespread support for a certain cause then they are more likely to pay attention.

Question 3

example

Answer 3

For example, there have been national marches with as many as 800,000 people from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign have been calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Question 4

rebuttal

Answer 4

However, legal methods like this are not always successful as the Government can ignore their requests.

Question 5

rebuttal explain

Answer 5

Even with lots of public support for causes, the Government does not have to act and can ignore their demands.

Question 6

rebuttal example

Answer 6

For example, in February 2024, Rishi Sunak commented on the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s demonstration saying, “Calling for a Gaza ceasefire now is not in anyone’s interest.”

Question 7

link

Answer 7

Therefore, using legal methods like demonstrations is ineffective because despite large support, the Government still chose not to act.