1.3 Pressure Groups, Thinktanks and Lobbyists

Question 1

What is a pressure group?

Answer 1

An association whose aim is to influence policy making at; local, regional and national level without seeking power

Question 2

Name 4 functions of pressure groups?

Answer 2

• represent certain sections of society
• protects the interests of the minority
• promote causes that parties haven’t
• inform citizens about certain causes

Question 3

What are the 4 types of pressure groups?

Answer 3

• promotional group
• sectional group
• insider group
• outsider group

Question 4

What is a promotional group?

Answer 4

A group whose goal it is to promote a particular cause or set of beliefs. Such groups highlight favourable and unfavourable legislation or simply bring an issue into the political agenda

Question 5

What is a sectional group?

Answer 5

A group whose goal it is to support a section of society.

Question 6

What is an insider group?

Answer 6

A group that has a special relationship with the government.

Question 7

What is an outsider group?

Answer 7

A group that is not closely associated with the government.

Question 8

What methods do pressure groups use to expert influence?

Answer 8

• lobbying
• public campaigning
• the courts
• direct action

Question 9

What is an access point?

Answer 9

A point at which a pressure group can directly, talk, share and research for the government

Question 10

What is lobbing?

Answer 10

The practice of individuals and organisations trying to influence MPs and ministers. Can take the form of; meetings ect

Question 11

What is public campaigning?

Answer 11

Tends to happen with an outsider group. Can range from, mass demonstrations, publishing e-petitions, using celebrities, to acts of civil disobedience

Question 12

How can pressure groups use the courts to exert influence?

Answer 12

Pressure groups can challenge the decisions of the executive through the courts

Question 13

Name 6 access points for pressure groups?

Answer 13

• government
• Parliament
• political parties
• courts
• the media
• devolved assemblies

Question 14

What factors affect a pressure groups success?

Answer 14

• resources
• ideological compatibility
• popularity
• expertise

Question 15

Name 5 ways in which pressure groups enhance democracy?

Answer 15

• give citizens a voice between elections
• counter balance the ‘elitist nature’ of politics by lobbing on behalf on minority groups
• being expert knowledge to the governments attention
• act as a limit of power on the government
• inform and educate the electorate

Question 16

Name 4 ways in which pressure groups don’t enhance democracy?

Answer 16

• can be divisive and selfish
• can stop other plans which others see to be needed
• are not accountable to the public
• make the country difficult to govern

Question 17

What is a lobbyist?

Answer 17

An organisation or business that attempts to influence the legislative process

Question 18

How much is commercial lobbying worth?

Answer 18

£2billion

Question 19

What is a revolving door?

Answer 19

When an MP enters the private sector with a vision of making change

Question 20

What act was passed in 2014 to make lobbing more transparent?

Answer 20

The Transperancy of Lobbing Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act

Question 21

What are the 5 factors that affect a pressure groups success?

Answer 21

• size of membership
• finance
• strategic position
• public mood
• attitude of the government