Pressure groups are different from political parties because they

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what distinguishes pressure groups from political parties. We need the function that pressure groups perform but political parties do not (or do not primarily perform).

Step 2: Explain the concept

• Pressure groups (e.g., NLC, ASUU, NBA, Market Women Associations) are organized groups that try to influence government policy to protect the interests of their members. They articulate interests: they voice the specific demands of a particular section of society. They do not seek to form the government.
• Political parties (e.g., APC, PDP, LP) bring together many different interests into a broad programme of government. This is interest aggregation. They also contest elections in order to capture political power and form the government.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Analyse elections: This is the work of political scientists and election observers, not a defining feature of pressure groups.
• B. Articulate interests: Pressure groups primarily do this, since they speak for narrow, specific interests. Parties also do it to some degree, but it is the core function of pressure groups.
• C. Aggregate interests: This is the typical function of political parties, which combine many interests into policy platforms. It does not set pressure groups apart.
• D. Contest elections: This is a defining feature of political parties. Pressure groups do not field candidates.

Step 4: Answer The best fit is B. articulate interests.

A note of caution: the question wording is a little loose, because political parties also articulate interests to some extent. However, among the options, articulation is the pressure group's main role, while C and D describe political parties.

Exam tip: Remember it this way:

• Pressure group = Articulate (they speak up for one interest)
• Party = Aggregate and contest (they gather interests and fight for power)

If a question asks what pressure groups do not do, think "contest elections / form government."