Cultural Theory: Comparing US + UK Pressure Groups Flashcards
What is cultural theory?
-differing histories of both US + UK
-how this affects ‘tone’ of political debate + activity
How is this seen in pressure groups?
-the shared ideas, beliefs + values of PGs often determines the actions of individuals
What are three ways cultural theory can be used to study PGs in US + UK?
-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
How do the constitutional arrangements affect cultural theory? -1
-they produce different political cultures
What are the constitutional arrangements in the US?
-PGs shaped by federalism, separation of powers + bill of rights
How does this impact pressure groups?
-provides them with more access points
-decentralised nature - can target state/local gov as well as central gov, judiciary, executive, etc.
What is an example of PGs using these access points? - state gov
-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
What did the NRA do in response?
-sued the state on grounds of Florida infringing on 2nd amendment rights - bill of rights
How does the NRA also utilises the many access points? - Congress/central gov
-lobbies congress - opposing universal background checks + bans on assault weapons
-e.g. 2013 Manchin-toomey amendment
What are the constitutional arrangements in the UK?
-parl sovereignty, unitary, uncodified + fusion of powers
-centralised - limited access points so mainly focus on two branches of gov - parl + legislature
What do these constitutional arrangements mean for pressure groups?
-less access points to target
-uncodified flexibility - allows PGs push for legal changes through public campaigns, strategic litigation etc.
What is an example of how these constitutional arrangements impact UK PGs?
-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
How are PGs in the US a means to political participation? - 2
-guaranteed constitutional rights
-first amendments - ‘right to petition gov’ - participation via PGs very common
How does the US being a pluralist society build on this?
-PGs more accepted + don’t impede on gov in US like they are perceived to do in UK
How do US PGs increase participation?
-orient organise grassroots move,ents
-encourage participation from ordinary citizens + advocate for a specific interest that resonates with them
What is an example of this?
-tea party movement supported by FreedomWorks PG
-citizens opposed big gov + high taxes - Chanelling world view into activism
How are PGs viewed in the UK?
-‘serpents that strangle ‘ gov
How do UK PGs impact political participation?
-weaker allure of participation through PGs as no entrenched rights to lobby/petition the gov
-however historical strong ties between TUs + lab party
What is an example of string ties between lab + TUs?
-Unite The Nation’s role in 2015 lab leadership election where corbyn was backed by Unite, CWU, Unison + other TUs
What did Unite do?
-mobilised + encouraged its members become affiliated supporters allowing union ,embers vote without needed full lab party membership
How did they do this?
-email, campaigns, social media to educate how to participate securing Corbyn lab leadership victory
How does the status of groups affect how they influence? - 3
-groups who struggle gain attention resort to direct action like BLM + ER
-but wealthy groups use political donations
What is the status of pressure groups like in the US?
-PGs can spend unlimited amounts in elections but must have ways of accessing this
What are insider groups in the US like?
-close gov ties e.g. NRA + AMA
-wealthiest + use lobbying + election campaigns
What are outside groups in the US like?
-influence politicians by generating public pressure through direct action like marches or protests
-e.g. BLM + ER
What is an example of this?
-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
What was the impact of the protests?
-NYPD implemented new training for officers
-NYC council passed legislation banning officers using chokeholds on victims
How is this perceived in the UK?
-NFU protects UK farming
-culturally signif area of UK farming
What status is the NFU + what does it do?
-insider
-lobbies gov, MPs + EU institutions (pre Brexit) through direct meetings, participation in select committees or submitting position papers
What did the NFU lobby the gov to do?
-post Brexit subsidy reforms
-gov phase out direct payments to farmers replaced with new system of public money for public goods
What did this create?
-incentives for environmentally friendly farming
What was the NFU’s most significant role in this?
-shaping transition period ensuring farmers able to adapt to changes
