Which of the following is an example of a public pressure group?

1. Analyze the question The question asks which option is a public pressure group. In Government, you must know the types of pressure groups.

2. Explain the concept A pressure group is an organised body that tries to influence government policy without seeking to control government. The main types are:

• Sectional/interest/protective groups: protect the interests of a particular profession or class, e.g. NUT, NLC, NMA, farmers' unions.
• Promotional/cause groups: promote a cause or ideal, e.g. Amnesty International, Greenpeace, Red Cross.
• Public pressure groups (in the sense used by some textbooks and JAMB): groups that are open to the general public and campaign on broad public issues, rather than on behalf of a narrow occupational class.

3. Work through the options

• A. Red Cross: a humanitarian organisation focused on relief and welfare. It is mainly a humanitarian body, not a pressure group in the strict sense.
• B. Amnesty International: a cause-based group open to anyone, campaigning for human rights and the release of prisoners of conscience. It speaks for the general public interest, not a narrow section.
• C. National Farmers Union: it protects the interests of farmers only, so it is a sectional (interest) group.
• D. Greenpeace: also a promotional group, focused on environmental protection. It is a strong contender, but it is generally classed as an environmental cause or promotional group.

4. Identify the answer Because Amnesty International is open to all members of the public and campaigns for human rights, a broad public concern, it best fits "public pressure group" here.

A note on honesty: Greenpeace (D) is also a cause group, so the question is a bit ambiguous. Option B is the one JAMB expects, but the distinction between "public" and "promotional" groups is blurry in many textbooks.

5. Exam tip Remember: Sectional = protects members' own interests (unions, associations like NUT, NLC, farmers). Promotional/public = champions a cause for everyone (Amnesty International, human rights groups). If an option names a specific profession, rule it out as a public group.