This is a series of well-written, accessible introductions to key areas of Politics courses taught at both A-level/Highers and first-year undergraduate level. Each book is structured in the same way, with each chapter consisting of the following: A short boxed paragraph of introduction, setting out the broad area to be explored A brief conclusion summarising what you should have learnt A glossary of key terms Sample examination questions Helpful websites Suggestions for further reading The emphasis is on responding to student needs by producing up-to-date material written in a user-friendly style. Pressure groups are an increasingly important feature of the political landscape and they are active on many levels, local, national or European. They reflect a diverse compass of interests from the well-known (the National Farmers' Union) to the less familiar (the Zip Fastener Association) and interact with a wide range of political players in different parts of the political system: parties, the media, government and parliament. They are involved at every stage of the political process, from raising issues and agenda setting to policy implementation and monitoring. This book provides an accessible guide to the role of pressure groups in our democracy, establishing clear definitions and analysing their role and performance. Book jacket.