An association whose ultimate aim is to influence government policies is known as

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the type of association whose ultimate aim is to influence government policies. The key phrase is "influence", which is different from "control" or "take over" government.

2. Explain the concept

• Pressure group: An organized association of people with shared interests who try to influence government decisions and policies without seeking to form the government. Examples in Nigeria: Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Medical and Dental Consultants Association.
• Political party: Seeks to win elections and control government power, not merely influence it.
• Civil service: The permanent body of government employees who implement policies. It is not an association trying to influence policy from outside.
• Public corporation: A government-owned business organization that provides goods or services (e.g., NNPC, NEPA/PHCN historically).

3. Step-by-step solution

• Identify the key aim: influencing government policies.
• Eliminate A (civil service executes policies, it is part of government).
• Eliminate D (public corporation is a commercial or service-delivery body).
• Compare C and B: a political party wants to capture power through elections, while a pressure group only wants to sway those in power.
• The best match is pressure group.

4. Answer The correct option is B. pressure group.

5. Exam tip Remember: Party = Power, Pressure group = Persuasion. If a WASSCE question says "influence government but not seek to govern", think pressure group.