Democracy And Participation- Pressure Group Methods Flashcards
Pressure group methods
Lobbying
Public campaigning
Donations to political parties
Media campaigns
Civil disobedience
Social media and e-petitions
Legal action
Insider groups
pressure groups with access to decision makers, which means that their tactics tend to be more discreet and behind closed doors, relying upon a network of close links to advisors and politicians. Outsider groups do not usually have such close contact with decision makers and therefore need to resort to methods that seek public support and media attention.
Describe lobbying
This involves persuasion through direct contact with important decision makers, policy makers and legislators. Sometimes professional lobby organisations may be used.
It is used largely by insider groups, such as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), British Bankers’ Association (BBA) and Confederation of British Industry (CBI. ‘Mass lobbying of Parliament is also used.
Example of lobbying
It is used largely by insider groups, such as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), British Bankers’ Association (BBA) and Confederation of British Industry (CBI. ‘Mass lobbying of Parliament is also used.
Example: Age UK lobbies MPs on behalf of pensioners.
Describe Public campaigning
This involves large-scale demonstrations of support for an issue or a group. It is designed to mobilise public opinion and to show the level of support to decision makers.
Example of public campaigning
Examples: pro-remain demonstrations (organised by People’s Vote) and pro-leave demonstrations following the EU referenaum.
Describe donations to political parties
These are legal as long as they are declared. They are typically used by large corporations and employer organisations or by trade unions.
Example of donations to political campaigns
Example: Open Democracy found that the Conservative Party received £11 million from property developers in Boris Johnson’s first year as prime minister.
Describe media campaigns
These often feature celebrities and mobilise public support.
Example of media campaigns
Examples: the 2020 campaign to continue free school meals over the summer holidays (Marcus Rashford) and efforts to reduce the stigma for those suffering from poor mental health (Princes William and Harry).
Describe civil obedience
When other methods have failed, illegal methods may be used.
Examples of civil disobedience
Examples: Extinction Rebellion (blocking roads and bridges), Plane Stupid (opposing airport expansion by invading runways). The suffragettes also engaged in civil disobedience, which ranged from women chaining themselves to railings at Buckingham Palace to defacing valuable works of art.
Describe social media and e-petitions
Social media can be used to raise awareness and gain support, and to organise e-petitions and local action.
Example of social media and e- petitions
Examples: the successful campaign to scrap the tampon tax resulted in the government agreeing to scrap VAT on sanitary products from 2021. The e-petition to accept more Syrian refugees in 2015 received 460,000 signatures.
Describe legal action
Judicial reviews aim to prevent discrimination against women and minorities and to preserve much-needed public services.
