component 1: pressure groups Flashcards
types of pressure groups
think tanks: groups of expertswho investigate and find solutions to issues, provide advice, evidence and policy proposals. pros: research issues and provide solutions e.g. policy exchnage tt gave idea of free school meals to cons. cons: push policies in favour of those who fund them, lack of transparency about funding, way for rich to gather gov info.
lobbysists: people/companies who attempt to influence gov, worth £12 biollion per year, emply 4,000. pros: wide range of groups providing evidence to support concerns, cons: people with money buy influence, politicians act inf avour of groups who pay them e.g. 2012 lord blencathra paid 12,000 a month to lobby on behalf of cayman islands.
insider methods by pressure groups
insider:
1: work with civil servants, pros: gov consult groups, can influence early thinking and shape policy, cons: work hidden from public, devloution reduces effectiveness.
2: work with parliament: pros: media coverage, easy to influence small maj govs, cons: less achieved via parliament as they are dominated by gov, hard to persuade MPs.
3: work with parties: pros: influence party policy = influence gov policy, influence via funding. cons: worktoo close to a party pushes others away.
examples:
RSPB - largest conservation charity in europe, 18,000 volunteers, membeship of 1 million, £145 million income in 2019 so have a voice in policy making.
outsider methods used by pressure groups
1: infleuncing public opinion: pros: push issues up agenda, gain media coverage, influence voing. cons: pretitions = ineffective, small groups lack resources for mass demonstrations, criticisms from public.
2; direct action: pros: demonstrate strength of conviction, raise profile of concern. cons: fake news, some willing to break the law.
3: use of new tech: pros: some entirely online e.g. #metoo, keeps supporters updated. cons: fake news, lack of meaningful involvement e.g. clicktavism.
4: use of courts: pros: use judicial review to challenge policy, generate media coverage. cons: legal cases are costly.
