1.3 Pressure groups and other influences

Question 1

UK is a pluralist democracy. What does pluralist democracy mean?

Answer 1

Political power and influence are widely distributed so that different groups can compete to sway the goverments in their favourite.

(Each group has its own ideas or interests, and they all try to get the government to support their views or make decisions that benefit them.)

Question 2

Other than voting in elections, how can the public participate in political processes?

Answer 2

• Supporting pressure groups
• Online campaigns
• Think tanks
• Lobbying firms

Question 3

What is the definition of a ‘pressure group’ ?

Answer 3

A group of people who try to influence decisions made by the government about specific issues.

Question 4

What is a sectional group, and give me examples.

Answer 4

It is a group that focuses on helping its own members, like workers in a certain job.
Eg. The muslim council of Britain specifically represents the interests of British Muslims.

Question 5

What is a casual group, and give me examples.

Answer 5

It is a group that works to support a cause or issue that benefits everyone, like protecting the environment. Eg. Greenpeace

Question 6

What is an insider group, and give me examples.

Answer 6

A pressure group that has privileged access to goverments decision making.
Eg. The BMA (British Medical Association) represents doctors and gives expert advice that the goverments wants to hear.

Question 7

What is an outsider group, and give me examples.

Answer 7

a group that tries to influence the government but isn’t connected to it. They usually work from outside the government and may use public campaigns, protests, or media to get attention for their cause.
Eg. Extinction Rebellion is a group that raises awareness about climate change by organizing large, disruptive protests.

Question 8

How does ‘insider status’ help pressure groups achieve success?

Answer 8

• They are trusted by the government due to their expertise so they are taken more seriously, and their suggestions are more likely to be implemented.
  Eg. Groups like the BMA give the government expert advice.
• Insider groups have regular channels of communication with the government, allowing them to raise concerns

Question 9

How does ‘wealth’ help pressure groups succeed?

Answer 9

• They can fund media campaigns and advertisement to their political situation.
• Hire professional lobbyist who has the skill and connections to influence goverments.
• Organize large-scale events, rallies and protests.
  (Eg. The “March for a people’s Vote” (Brexit voting) in London, funded by wealthy individuals)

Question 10

How does “Celebrity leadership” help pressure groups succeed?

Answer 10

If a pressure group is connected to a famous name this will help it achieve popular recognition.
Eg. Emma Watson is closely associated with the “HeforShe” campaign, which encourages gender equality.

Question 11

How does “Social Media” help pressure groups succeed?

Answer 11

FridaysForFuture movement, led by school strikes for climate action in UK, which was Inspired by Greta Thunberg, on Instagram, and Facebook.

• Through viral campaigns, hashtags and shared contents, pressure groups can raise awareness of their issues.
• Pressure groups can reach a large, diverse audience quickly.

Question 12

Definition of civil disobedience.

Answer 12

peacefully breaking the law to show that you disagree with it and to push for change. It’s done to protest against unfair rules or policies.
(Like Blocking roads, etc)

Question 13

How does ‘direct action’ help pressure groups succeed?

Answer 13

Creates immediate pressure on the government, forcing them to confront an issue quickly. It involves strikes, sit-ins, and, riots.

Eg. In the Christmas period of 2022, nurses and NHS staff in the UK went on strike. They protested to demand better pay and working conditions

Question 14

Give me an example of a successful pressure group and why it succeeded?

Answer 14

Free school meals initiative led by Manchester United football player Marcus Rashford in 2020. Rashford campaigned for the UK government to provide free school meals to children from low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It succeeded cause he used his celebrity status and used twitter to advertise businesses that were offering free meals.

Question 15

Why are some pressure groups more successful than others?

Answer 15

Nemonic (RIPE)
- resources
- Ideological with the government
- Popularity
- Expertise

Question 16

Give me an example of an unsuccessful pressure group.

Answer 16

The Stop the War Coalition - In 2003, as the Blair government prepared to invade Iraq, the coalition organized the largest protest in British history, with around 1 million people marching in London against the war. Despite the protest’s impact, Prime Minister Blair remained committed to the invasion. His support from the Conservative Party ensured that when Parliament voted, he won by 179 votes, allowing him to proceed with the war.

Question 17

Evaluate why pressure groups enhance democracy?

Answer 17

• Encourages political participation beyond elections.
• Represents a wide range of interests, ensuring pluralism in politics.
• Some pressure groups have specialized knowledge, helping inform policymakers and improve decision making.

Question 18

Evaluate why pressure groups dont enhance democracy?

Answer 18

• Wealthy and well-organized groups have more influence than ordinary citizens.
• Can lead to policy decisions favourite small, powerful elites.
• Radical tactics and aggressive behavior.
• Inside pressure groups may have unfair access to policymakers, undermining equal representation.

Question 19

Summarize the key events in “Black lives matter” (BLM) protests.

Answer 19

In 2020, after George Floyd’s death, Black Lives Matter protests in the UK led to the toppling of Edward Colston’s statue in Bristol, a symbol of the slave trade. Many supported this as a stand against racism, while others saw it as vandalism. The government created a racial inequality commission, and the England football team “took the knee” during Euro 2020. However, criticism arose, and racially motivated crimes increased by 12%, leading to ongoing debates about BLM’s impact.

Question 20

Summarize the key points for the charity “Mind”.

Answer 20

Mind focuses on improving access to mental health treatment and supporting both those with mental health issues and their caregivers. One of its campaigns, #FundTheHubs, aims to provide mental health services for people aged 11-25. Mind also works with schools and colleges to let those struggling know they’re not alone and can get help. A key strategy is using celebrity ambassadors to promote open discussions about mental health.

Question 21

Summarize the key points of the distruptive protest “Extinction Rebellion”

Answer 21

The protests forces action on climate change, and uses non-violent civil disobedience—such as blocking roads, disrupting events, and causing public disturbances—to pressure the UK government to declare a climate emergency, reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2025.

Question 22

Define ‘Think-tanks’

Answer 22

A group of experts who research and develop ideas on important topics like politics, economics, and social issues.

Question 23

Wealthy groups are more likely to achieve influence with the government.
- AGREE -

Answer 23

• Powerful businesses can employ high-profile figure to represent their interests.
• Rich lobbying groups and businesses can easily connect with important decision makers.

Question 24

Wealthy groups are more likely to achieve influence with the government.
- DISAGREE -

Answer 24

• Celebrity endorsement can be more impactful than wealth, such as Marcus Rashford advocating for free school meals
• Social movements like Black Lives Matter can bring about change without needing financial resources.