A major issue that distinguishes pressure groups from political parties is the ...

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the main feature that sets pressure groups apart from political parties.

2. Explain the concept

• Political parties organize to win political power. They contest elections, present candidates, and aim to form the government.
• Pressure groups (e.g., NLC, NMA, ASUU, Market Women Associations) organize to influence government policy in favour of their members' interests. They do not seek to govern or put forward candidates for office.

So the basic difference is what each one is trying to achieve, which is its objective.

3. Work through the options

• A. Ideology: Parties often have a defined ideology, but many pressure groups have clear ideologies too. This is not the main distinction.
• B. Objective: Parties aim to capture and control power. Pressure groups aim to influence those in power without taking over. This is the key difference.
• C. Membership drive: Both recruit members, so this does not separate them.
• D. Voting pattern: This is not a defining feature of either. It is just a behaviour seen in elections.

4. Answer The correct option is B. Objective.

5. Exam tip Remember: Parties want POWER, pressure groups want INFLUENCE. If a Government question asks how the two differ, think "capture power vs. influence policy."