Cultural Theory: Comparing US + UK Pressure Groups

Question 1

What is cultural theory?

Answer 1

-differing histories of both US + UK
-how this affects ‘tone’ of political debate + activity

Question 2

How is this seen in pressure groups?

Answer 2

-the shared ideas, beliefs + values of PGs often determines the actions of individuals

Question 3

What are three ways cultural theory can be used to study PGs in US + UK?

Answer 3

-how they operate in diff constitutional systems despite having same end goals of pressuring gov
-both are a means to participation
-status of groups + the subsequent methods used

Question 4

How do the constitutional arrangements affect cultural theory? -1

Answer 4

-they produce different political cultures

Question 5

What are the constitutional arrangements in the US?

Answer 5

-PGs shaped by federalism, separation of powers + bill of rights

Question 6

How does this impact pressure groups?

Answer 6

-provides them with more access points
-decentralised nature - can target state/local gov as well as central gov, judiciary, executive, etc.

Question 7

What is an example of PGs using these access points? - state gov

Answer 7

-NRA target state gov prevent restrictive gun ordinances
-e.g. 2018 after Parkland school shooting Florida passed gun reform package raising min age buy gun to 21

Question 8

What did the NRA do in response?

Answer 8

-sued the state on grounds of Florida infringing on 2nd amendment rights - bill of rights

Question 9

How does the NRA also utilises the many access points? - Congress/central gov

Answer 9

-lobbies congress - opposing universal background checks + bans in assault weapons
-e.g. 2013 Manchin-toomey amendment

Question 10

What are the constitutional arrangements in the UK?

Answer 10

-parl sovereignty, unitary, uncodified + fusion of powers
-centralised - limited access ports so mainly focus on two branches of gov - parl + legislature

Question 11

What do these constitutional arrangements mean for pressure groups?

Answer 11

-less access points to target
-uncodified flexibility - allows PGs push for legal changes through public campaigns, strategic litigation etc.

Question 12

What is an example of how these constitutional arrangements impact UK PGs?

Answer 12

-fused powers - debate over police, crime, sentencing + courts act 2022 restricting protest rights
-Extinction Rebellion + Liberty struggled influence outcome despite widespread public opposition due to gov majority in parl the bill passed

Question 13

How are PGs in the US a means to political participation? - 2

Answer 13

-guaranteed constitutional rights
-first amendments - ‘right to petition gov’ - participation via PGs very common

Question 14

How does the US being a pluralist society build on this?

Answer 14

-PGs more accepted + don’t impede on gov in US like they are perceived to do in UK

Question 15

How do US PGs increase participation?

Answer 15

-orient organise grassroots move,ents
-encourage participation from ordinary citizens + advocate for a specific interest that resonates with them

Question 16

What is an example of this?

Answer 16

-tea party movement supported by FreedomWorks PG
-citizens opposed big gov + high taxes - Chanelling world view into activism

Question 17

How are PGs viewed in the UK?

Answer 17

-‘serpents that strangle ‘ gov

Question 18

How do UK PGs impact political participation?

Answer 18

-weaker allure of participation through PGs as no entrenched rights to lobby/petition the gov
-however historical strong ties between TUs + lab party

Question 19

What is an example of string ties between lab + TUs?

Answer 19

-Unite The Nation’s role in 2015 lab leadership election where corbyn was backed by Unite, CWU, Unison + other TUs

Question 20

What did Unite do?

Answer 20

-mobilised + encouraged its members become affiliated supporters allowing union ,embers vote without needed full lab party membership

Question 21

How did they do this?

Answer 21

-email, campaigns, social media to educate how to participate securing Corbyn lab leadership victory

Question 22

How does the status of groups affect how they influence? - 3

Answer 22

-groups who struggle gain attention resort to direct action like BLM + ER
-but wealthy groups use political donations

Question 23

What is the status of pressure groups like in the US?

Answer 23

-PGs can spend unlimited amounts in elections but must have ways of accessing this

Question 24

What are insider groups in the US like?

Answer 24

-close gov ties e.g. NRA + AMA
-wealthiest + use lobbying + election campaigns

Question 25

What are outside groups in the US like?

Answer 25

-influence politicians by generating public pressure through direct action like marches or protests
-e.g. BLM + ER

Question 26

What is an example of this?

Answer 26

-July 2014 Eric Garner placed in chokehold + killed by NY police
-subsequent protest took place organised by BLM held at gov buildings + Times Square etc

Question 27

What was the impact of the protests?

Answer 27

-NYLD implemented new training for officers
-NYC council passed legislation banning officers using chokeholds on victims

Question 28

How is this perceived in the UK?

Answer 28

-NFU protects UK farming
-culturally signif area of UK farming

Question 29

What status is the NFU + what does it do?

Answer 29

-insider
-lobbies gov, MPs + European Union institutions (pre Brexit) through direct meetings, participation in select committees or submitting position papers

Question 30

What did the NFU lobby the gov to do?

Answer 30

-post Brexit subsidy reforms
-gov phase out direct payments to farmers replaced with new system of public money for public goods

Question 31

What did this create?

Answer 31

-incentives for environmentally friendly farming

Question 32

What was the NFU’s most significant role in this?

Answer 32

-shaping transition period ensuring farmers able to adapt to changes