Chapter 1 - Pressure groups

Question 1

What are pressure groups?

Answer 1

Associations that seek to influence policy making without actually seeking power.

Question 2

What are the 6 functions of pressure groups?

Answer 2

1. Represent the interests of sections of the community that feel they are not otherwise fully represented.
2. Protect the interests of minorities.
3. Inform and educate the public.
4. Call government to account.
5. Inform government in order to influence policy.
6. Offer opportunities to participate in politics.

Question 3

What are promotional groups?

Answer 3

Pressure groups that promote a cause or set of beliefs.

Question 4

What are promotional groups also known as?

Answer 4

‘cause’ or ‘issue’ groups.

Question 5

What are sectional groups?

Answer 5

A pressure group with an identifiable membership or supporting group that represents a section of society.

Question 6

What are sectional groups also known as?

Answer 6

‘interest groups’

Question 7

Give 3 promotional groups in the UK?

Answer 7

1. Greenpeace
2. Unlock Democracy
3. Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)

Question 8

What is a hybrid sectional group?

Answer 8

A sectional group that believes it is helping the whole community by serving the interests of its members. For example, unions representing teachers or doctors.

Question 9

Give 2 examples of UK sectional groups?

Answer 9

1. Age UK
2. British Medical Association (BMA)

Question 10

Give 4 features of promotional pressure groups?

Answer 10

1. They are altruistic.
2. Try to mobilise public opinion.
3. Often use direct action.
4. Seek widespread support.

Question 11

Give 4 features of sectional pressure groups?

Answer 11

1. Largely self-interested.
2. Seek direct links with policy makers.
3. Use responsible methods of influence.
4. Usually have a formal membership.

Question 12

Give 3 methods of pressure groups.

Answer 12

1. Making financial donations to political parties to find favour.
2. Parliamentary representation - MPs might sponsor a group and influence legislation.
3. Media campaigns can be used to mobilise public opinion.

Question 13

Why is size a factor for the success of pressure groups?

Answer 13

The more supporters a group has the greater pressure it can put on policy makers, as government does not wish to go against public opinion.

Question 14

What impact does finance have on the success of pressure groups?

Answer 14

Wealthy groups can afford expensive campaigns, employ lobbyists, and sponsor political parties.

Question 15

What impact does the strategic position of a pressure group have on its success chances?

Answer 15

The banking sectors and teachers for example are vital to the economy and society, and so have a great deal of leverage.

Question 16

What is hyperpluralism?

Answer 16

A modern phenomenon describing the rapid growth in the number of interest groups, making government increasingly difficult.

Question 17

What is ASH?

Answer 17

Action on Smoking and Health; promotional groups that aims to spread knowledge on the harmful effects of tobacco use and get laws passed reducing tobacco use.

Question 18

In what way do pressure groups enhance democracy?

Answer 18

• Disperse power and influence more widely.
• Educate the public.
• More opportunities to participate.
• Promote and protect the interests of minorities.
• Hold government to account.

Question 19

In what ways do pressure groups threaten democracy?

Answer 19

• Concentrate power in too few hands.
• Distort information in their own interests.
• Wealthy groups wield a disproportionate amount of influence.
• Lack accountability.

Question 20

What is a think tank?

Answer 20

• An organisation that undertakes research into various aspects of public policy.
• Can be privately or state financed.
• Can be neutral or partisan.

Question 21

Give an example of a state-funded think tank?

Answer 21

The King’s Fund - advises government on health policy and expenditure.

Question 22

What does the think tank Chatham House do?

Answer 22

Advise government on international affairs.

Question 23

How do lobby groups influence politics?

Answer 23

They employ former politicians in order to gain insider influence and help promote the cause of those who employ them. They are known as the ‘hidden face’ of politics.

Question 24

What are the differences between parties and pressure groups?

Answer 24

• Parties seek to gain power; pressure groups do not.
• Parties are accountable for their policies; pressure groups are not.
• Parties develop broad policies; pressure groups are narrow in their interests.

Question 25

Who is the hidden face of politics?

Answer 25

Lobby groups

Question 26

Which state-funded think tank advises government on healthcare policy?

Answer 26

The King’s Fund