comparing pressure groups Flashcards
institutional factors of US PGs:
-the 1st amendment protects freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and the right to petition the government
-therefore americans believe it’s their right to take collective action through pressure groups
institutional factors of UK PGs:
-parliament is sovereign and there is no bill of rights, constitution is codified
-the HRA has helped protect citizens’ rights and therefore the work of PGs BUT the powers of the UK supreme court are limited
why does the US have more ‘access points’ for PGS?
-separation of power into 3 distinct branches, all of which can be influenced by PGs
-checks and balances make all three branches powerful, therefore can be targeted by PGs
-even if a president doesn’t support a policy, it may be supported by congress, especially during times of divided gov., making it more likely a PG’s aims will be achieved
-congress can pass laws that the president can veto or the SC can overturn
why does the UK have less ‘access points’ for PGs?
-power is much more centralised - fusion of powers - making the gov. very powerful
-gov. ministers are bound by collective ministerial responsibility to publicly support gov. bills
comparing PGs using cultural theory:
-in the US rights are entrenched in the constitution, which makes it hard for PGs to be successful in achieving stricter laws on gun control because the 2nd amendment protects gun rights (historically americans needed guns to protect from wildlife and because there was no police force)
-in the UK the constitution is uncodified meaning no rights are truly entrenched, which means UK PGs can easily achieve strivter gun control (e.g. snowdrop campaign)
comparing PGs using rational theory:
-PGs in the US are very influential during elections, which gives the NRA huge power because they fund the republicans
-e.g. under obama congress (which was republican) was unwilling to pass even mild gun control legislation
-some PGs are very clearly aligned with political parties e.g. Labour and the TUC
-trade unions are associated with labour whereas the democrats don’t have close ties to them
-in both countries, the best way for a PG to operate is through direct action
comparing PGs using structural theory:
-in the US a constitutional amendment is needed to pass legislation that infringes and rights - this is very difficult, making it harder for PGs to achieve their aims
-in the UK only a simply majority is needed to pass a bill, making it easier for a PG to achieve their aims e.gh. snowdrop campaign
