Concept:The main distinction is that pressure groups only influence decisions, while political parties seek to gain and exercise government power.
Explanation:A political party is an organized group of citizens who share common ideals and act together as a political unit.
Its central goal is to contest elections and achieve control of the government.
By winning power, a party can implement its policies and programmes directly.
Pressure groups, on the other hand, operate from outside and only try to shape or influence government decisions.
They do not field candidates or seek to form a government.
Promoting the welfare of members and influencing legislation are secondary objectives that both parties and pressure groups may pursue.
However, the unique and primary purpose of a political party is to control political power.
Answer:D. control political power.