Democracy and Participation (US)

Question 1

Name some differences in method between pressure groups in the US and UK

Answer 1

Constitutional sovereignty in the US means SC victory creates long-term gains- in the US legal methods are therefore far more attractive

Question 2

Name some similarities in method between pressure groups in the US and UK

Answer 2

In both, many groups struggle to gain recognition due to ideological incompatibility with politicians, and therefore use demonstrations rather than lobbying

Wealthy groups use political donations, other groups with fewer resources must use other methods

Both use tactics such as publicity, lobbying, electioneering, legal methods, and direct action and demonstrations

Question 3

Name 8 differences in power and influence between pressure groups in the US and UK

Answer 3

1. INSIDER AND OUTSIDER categories in the UK suggest there’s bigger disparity between power and influence
2. The US may have a more PLURALIST system than in the UK (only a select few in the UK have influence)
3. SoPs and FEDERALISM creates multiple power centres and therefore access points in the US
4. In the UK POWER is more centred in the hands of the gov., therefore you must influence GOV to have power
5. Lack of powerful US PARTY LEADERS means its easier to influence individual politicians
6. Stronger UK PARTY DISCIPLINE means MPs are strongly accountable to political leaders, harder to persuade to vote against party lines
7. Higher levels of RIGHTS protection in US
8. US SC rulings mean longer term successes, UK groups cant achieve same policy success