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AQA GCSE · Question 07.2 · Rights and Responsibilities
Explain one way a trade union can influence government policy.
Explain one way a trade union can influence government policy.
How to approach this question
Identify a specific method used by pressure groups like trade unions to influence government. Then, briefly explain how that method works in practice.
Full Answer
A trade union can influence government policy through lobbying. This involves union representatives meeting with MPs and government ministers to argue their case on issues like the minimum wage or workers' rights, trying to persuade them to change or introduce laws that will benefit their members.
Trade unions act as pressure groups to influence government policy in several ways. These include:
- **Lobbying:** Directly meeting with politicians.
- **Campaigning:** Running public campaigns to win support for their cause.
- **Industrial Action:** Organising strikes, which can put pressure on the government by disrupting public services or the economy.
- **Political Funding:** Historically, many unions have close links with and provide funding to the Labour Party, giving them influence over its policies.
Common mistakes
Students might give a very general answer like 'they talk to the government'. A better answer names a specific method like 'lobbying' or 'protesting'.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 2
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