IB Global Politics Interest and Pressure Groups Key Definitions

Insider groups are interest or pressure groups that enjoy regular, institutionalized access to government decision-makers, being consulted on policy development and regarded as legitimate stakeholders within the established political process.

Interest groups are organizations that seek to influence public policy to benefit their members or advance a specific cause.

Legitimacy refers to the perceived justification or acceptability of an action, decision, or institution.

Lobbying is the direct attempt to influence legislators, government officials, or regulators on specific policy issues, typically through face-to-face meetings, policy briefs, and the provision of technical expertise.

Pressure groups are organized associations that seek to influence government policy without contesting elections, using external pressure such as campaigns, protests, and public advocacy to shape decisions made by those in power.