Democracy In Scotland #3: Influence Flashcards
“Explain, in detail, the role of the media in Scottish politics.” (6)
One aim of the media in Scottish democracy is to inform people through television. This means that television broadcasters have a wide reach which helps politicians connect with a larger demographic. Evidence of this is the 452000 people that tuned in for the 2023 SNP leadership debate.
Another aim of the media in Scottish democracy is to use different mediums of advertising to reach more people. This means that by using social media, political parties are able to increase the number and variety they reach. Evidence of this is that SNP are the most followed Scottish party on X (previously twitter) and are also the party currently in charge of Scotland as of 2025 (January).
“Explain, in detail, the methods the media uses to influence Scottish politics.” (6)
One method the media uses to Influence Scottish democracy is newspaper articles. This means that the media can publish pieces to either positively or negatively affect a political party. Evidence of this is the Sun’s endorsements of the SNP in the previous 3 Scottish elections may have helped boost their performance.
Another method the media uses to Influence Scottish democracy is TV. This means that parties can hold broadcast debates so that the viewers can have a better idea of which party they might prefer. Evidence of this is the 2021 debate night special where the leaders of the main parties went head to head before the Holyrood election.
“Explain, in detail, ways in which the media influences Scottish politics.” (6)
One way in which the media Influences Scottish democracy is through employing spin doctors. This means that political parties can employ these specialists in media communication to make sure the coverage of their party is favourable and that they are seen in the best light. Evidence of this is Murray Foote, who until recently was the SNP Head of Communications.
Another way in which the media Influences Scottish democracy is through politicians being active on social media. This means that voters may feel as though they have a more direct, unfiltered access to the candidate and their policies. Evidence of this is that Nicola sturgeon has 1.4million followers on X (January 2025)
“Explain, in detail, the limitations of the media in Scottish politics.” (6)
One way in which media influence on Scottish democracy is limited is that social media is mainly used by younger people. This means that those who are older are less likely to use
social media, therefore are less likely to be subjected to political messages online. Evidence of this is that only 7% of twitter users are aged 50+. (Statista.com)
Another way in which the medias influence on Scottish democracy is limited is that TV viewership has declined significantly. This means that fewer people go out their way to watch Live broadcasts on TV which can limit the spread of a politician’s message. Evidence of this is 452,000 out of the 5million Scottish population watched the SNP leadership debate on STV in 2021.
“Explain, in detail, the role of pressure groups in Scottish politics.” (6)
One role of pressure groups in Scotland is to uphold people’s rights. This means that different groups work to protect the rights of. minorities. Evidence of this is Scottish Trans, who work to defend the rights of trans people.
Another role of pressure groups in Scotland is to raise awareness of issues. This means that by being publicly vocal about affairs, they can increase the amount of people who know about the matter. Evidence of this is Extinction Rebellion, who commit many publicity stunts, e.g. duct taping themselves to the pavement.
“Explain, in detail, the methods pressure groups use to influence Scottish politics.” (6)
One method that pressure groups use is campaigning. This means they can attempt to stop proposed bills from passing. Evidence of this is that For Women Scotland presented this topic in parliament to raise concerns about the gender recognition reform bill.
Another method that pressure groups use is protesting. This means they undertake activism to raise awareness about their cause. Evidence of this is extinction rebellion had 3 protestors in November 2024 attempt to lock onto the Scottish parliament building with messages related to the proposed gas power station in Peterhead.
“Explain, in detail, ways in which pressure groups influence Scottish politics.” (6)
One way that pressure groups have influence is that they can get parliament to take action.
This means that through campaigning and protesting publicly, the government will take note of their aims and act on them. Evidence of this is the parliament declared a climate emergency after 10,000 people publicly protested in London as part of Extinction Rebellion.
Another way that pressure groups have influence is that they can help alleviate suffering.
This means that some PGs help inform those in need of financial support available and help them access it. Evidence of this is that the child poverty action group helps 500,000 families benefit from expansion of child benefits.
“Explain, in detail, the limitations of pressure groups in Scottish politics.” (6)
One way pressure groups has limited influence is that they may not be well known across Scotland. This means that many people aren’t aware of their aims and may not support their campaign. Evidence of this is that PG “all under one banner” has 81000 followers on
Facebook which doesn’t have great amount of influence as the Scottish population is over 5 million.
Another way PGs have limited influence is that their cause can be hard to tackle. This means that the group may struggle to successfully overcome there cause as it may be too difficult for them. Evidence of this is that 500,000 families have benefited from CPAG campaign but still over a million are still deprived in Scotland.
