Which of the following statements about pressure groups is true?

1. Analyze the question You are asked to pick the true statement about pressure groups. Each option makes a claim, so we test each one against what we know.

2. The concept A pressure group (interest group) is an organized body of people who share a common interest and try to influence government policy and decisions without seeking to take over power. Examples in Nigeria include NLC (Nigeria Labour Congress), ASUU, NBA (Nigerian Bar Association), NMA, and market women's associations.

Key features:

• They seek to influence government, not to form it.
• They use lobbying, strikes, petitions, protests, and media campaigns.
• Their interests can be economic, professional, social, religious, or political.

3. Step-by-step evaluation

• A. They have no influence on the decision-making process. False. Their whole purpose is to influence decisions. For example, NLC actions have influenced fuel price and minimum wage discussions.
• B. They can have both positive and negative impact on the government. True. Positively, they supply information, represent citizens, and check government excesses. Negatively, they can cause disruption through strikes, push narrow interests over the national interest, or pressure officials unfairly.
• C. They operate independently of the government. This is partly true of many groups, but it is not universally true. Some pressure groups are government-linked or depend on government funding or recognition, and the word "operate independently" is too absolute. It is not the best answer.
• D. They are only concerned with social issues. False. They also deal with economic, professional, political, and other issues (e.g. ASUU on university funding, NLC on wages).

4. Answer Option B is the most accurate and complete statement.

5. Exam tip Beware of absolute words like "no," "only," and "always" in options. They usually make a statement false. Balanced options like "can have both..." are often correct in Government questions.