Membership of pressure groups is usually limited because they

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks why membership of pressure groups is usually limited. We need the reason that restricts who can or will join.

Step 2: Explain the concept A pressure group is an organized body of people who share a common interest and try to influence government policy without seeking to take over power. Examples in Nigeria include the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Pressure groups are formed around particular interests or causes, such as workers' welfare, professional standards or the rights of a specific group. Because of this, only people who share that interest or belong to that profession tend to join. This differs from a political party, which has broad goals and tries to attract as many members as possible.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Pursue specific and narrow objectives: Correct. Narrow goals appeal only to people with that interest, so membership stays limited. For example, only teachers join a teachers' union, and only lawyers join the NBA.
• B. Promote other people's interests: Wrong. Pressure groups mainly promote the interests of their own members.
• C. Do not have dynamic leadership: Wrong. Leadership quality is not the defining reason for limited membership, and many pressure groups have strong leaders.
• D. Promote the interest of the government: Wrong. Pressure groups seek to influence the government and often oppose it. They do not exist to serve it.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A.

Exam tip: Remember "Pressure group = narrow interest = limited membership", while "Political party = broad interest = wide membership." When a question contrasts the two, look for words like specific, narrow and sectional.