Some people avoid using the term pressure group as it can inadvertently be interpreted as meaning the groups use actual pressure to achieve their aims, which does not necessarily happen. The term pressure group is a very wide definition that does not clearly distinguish between the groups that fall under the term. The aim of all pressure groups is to influence the people who actually have the power to make decisions. Pressure groups do not look for the power of political office for themselves, but do seek to influence the decisions made by those who do hold this political power. Often pressure groups find themselves competing with rival pressure groups with the aim of gaining an advantage over them, but sometimes groups work together to achieve a common aim.
Pressure groups provide a means of popular participation in national politics between elections.
They are sometimes able to gather sufficient support to force government to amend or even scrap legislation. Pressure groups also provide a means of participation in local politics between elections. For example, in 1994 the A452 Coordination Group campaigned to block plans by Warwickshire County Council to make the A452 a dual carriageway. After the group s intense lobbying, the council dropped the plans. Pressure groups also act as a sense of specialist knowledge, and often have access to information that is highly valued by decision makers.