Comparing Pressure Groups Flashcards
Why is their more points fro pressure groups in the US to focus on then in the UK?
The nature of the US federal system creating a lot more elections and political positions
What form of direct democracy in the US can pressure groups use?
Ballot initiatives and referendums
What is the biggest difference between UK and US pressure groups?
Involvement in elections, with Super PACs being unlimited in the US
How much lobbying was estimated in the UK in 2017 compared to the US in 2019?
UK: £2 billion
US: $3.47 billion
What was a scandal in the UK showing the effect of lobbying upon government?
‘Cash for access’, where former minister boasted about their ability to influence government on behalf of private clients
What is an example of a legal challenge from a pressure group in the UK going successfully for the pressure group?
The Public Law Project, a UK legal charity, challenged the imposition of a residence test for legal aid in R v Lord Chancellor (2016) or Gina Miller cases
Other than the UK Supreme Court, what court can UK pressure groups also use?
The European Court of Human Rights
How much of time do members of Congress spend there time fundraising?
50%
In 2016 what was the average cost of winning a seat in the House and the Senate?
House: $1.5 million
Senate: $19 million
How much of Labours donations in the 2019 general election came from unions?
93%
What has been decreasing in both countries since the 1970s?
Trade union power with both countries having around 50% few union members than the 1970s
Why does lobbying focus more on the government in the UK than US?
Party discipline and the government has a better hold over passing the legislation due to fusion of powers
What are pressure groups in the two countries that argue for stricter gun violence laws?
The Brady Campaign, in the US, and The Snowdrop Campaign, in the UK
What are some structural differences of pressure groups between the two countries?
More access points in the USA
Separation of powers in the USA allows Congress to act more independently of government than UK parliament can
Unlimited US election spending versus restrictive UK campaign finance and advertising laws
More powerful Supreme Court in the USA as the Constitution is sovereign
Weaker trade unions in the USA stronger links to a political party in the UK
What are some rational differences of pressure groups between the two countries?
Lobbying, with members of congress more likely to be influenced by lobbying with the UK having tighter electoral finance laws
Political alliances with unions that follow similar goals or political ideas help each other in both countries
Direct action, which is often used in both countries by outsider countries
