The major operational tool of any pressure group in the achievement of its goals is

Analyze the question: It asks for the major operational tool a pressure group uses to achieve its goals. Pressure groups are organized groups that try to influence government policy without seeking to take power themselves.

Explain the concept: Pressure groups include trade unions (NLC, ASUU), professional bodies (NMA, NBA), and community or student associations. They use several methods:

• Lobbying: approaching and persuading legislators, ministers, and other decision-makers directly, whether privately or through representatives.
• Demonstrations, strikes, and protests: used to show strength or dissatisfaction, often when other methods fail.
• Media campaigns and propaganda: used to shape public opinion.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Pressure groups do not seek political power. They seek to influence those who hold it.
2. The most direct and consistent way to influence decision-makers is to communicate with them and persuade them, which is lobbying.
3. Demonstrations and strikes are last-resort or supporting methods, used when lobbying and negotiation fail.
4. Media campaigns and propaganda mainly shape public opinion, which only indirectly affects policy.
5. Lobbying is therefore the primary and most widely used tool, and it works in democratic and non-democratic settings alike.

Answer: B. lobbying

Exam tip: When you see "major," "main," or "primary" method of a pressure group, think lobbying. Remember that strikes and demonstrations are pressure tactics, while lobbying is the core strategy.