1.3 Pressure groups and other influences

Question 1

interest groups

Answer 1

a pressure group that exists to advance or protect the interests of its members

Question 2

peak group

Answer 2

an association of industries or groups with common interests, which pool resources and work together to achieve their aims

Question 3

cause group

Answer 3

a pressure group that is based on shared values, ideals and principles

Question 4

insider group

Answer 4

a pressure group that enjoys regular consulation with the government

Question 5

outsider group

Answer 5

a pressure group that is either not consulted by the government or does not want to be closely involved with the government

Question 6

think tank

Answer 6

a group of experts who provide advice, ideas and policy proposals on political, economic and social problems

Question 7

the three key feature of pressure groups

Answer 7

1. seek to exert influence from outside, rather than win or exercise gov power. pps dont make policy decisions but rather try to influence those who do.
   - external to gov
   - act as a channel of ongoing communication between ppl & gov bet elections
2. typically narrow issue focus, eg, opposing planned road development or a narrow cluster of issues, eg, issues that effect workers right
3. mems are united by either a shared belief in a particular cause or a common set of interests. ppl with diff ideological & party preferences may thus work happily together as mems of some pps

Question 8

how are pressure groups categorised?

Answer 8

• interest or cause
• insider or outsider

Question 9

examples of the types of interest/ cause groups and why are they considered this type of pp?

Answer 9

trade unions, business corporations, trade assocaition and professional bodies = prime examples of this type of group
- represent the interests of of a partic sector of society

Question 10

specific examples of interest/cause pressure groups?

Question 11

who do outsider groups

Answer 11

exert influence indirectly via the mass media, through public opinion campaigns and the use of protest politics