1.3 Pressure Groups, Thinktanks and Lobbyists Flashcards
What is a pressure group?
An association whose aim is to influence policy making at; local, regional and national level without seeking power
Name 4 functions of pressure groups?
- represent certain sections of society
- protects the interests of the minority
- promote causes that parties haven’t
- inform citizens about certain causes
What are the 4 types of pressure groups?
- promotional group
- sectional group
- insider group
- outsider group
What is a promotional group?
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
What is a sectional group?
A group whose goal it is to support a section of society.
What is an insider group?
A group that has a special relationship with the government.
What is an outsider group?
A group that is not closely associated with the government.
What methods do pressure groups use to expert influence?
- lobbying
- public campaigning
- the courts
- direct action
What is an access point?
A point at which a pressure group can directly, talk, share and research for the government
What is lobbing?
The practice of individuals and organisations trying to influence MPs and ministers. Can take the form of; meetings ect
What is public campaigning?
Tends to happen with an outsider group. Can range from, mass demonstrations, publishing e-petitions, using celebrities, to acts of civil disobedience
How can pressure groups use the courts to exert influence?
Pressure groups can challenge the decisions of the executive through the courts
Name 6 access points for pressure groups?
- government
- Parliament
- political parties
- courts
- the media
- devolved assemblies
What factors affect a pressure groups success?
- resources
- ideological compatibility
- popularity
- expertise
Name 5 ways in which pressure groups enhance democracy?
- 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
Name 4 ways in which pressure groups don’t enhance democracy?
- 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
What is a lobbyist?
An organisation or business that attempts to influence the legislative process
How much is commercial lobbying worth?
£2billion
What is a revolving door?
When an MP enters the private sector with a vision of making change
What act was passed in 2014 to make lobbing more transparent?
The Transperancy of Lobbing Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act
What are the 5 factors that affect a pressure groups success?
- size of membership
- finance
- strategic position
- public mood
- attitude of the government
