Evaluate the view that think-tanks, lobbyists and pressure groups have little impact on government decisions.

Question 1

Introduction - Themes

Answer 1

• Think-Tanks
• Lobbyists
• Pressure Groups

Question 2

Introduction - Argument

Answer 2

They all have significant impact on government decisions

Question 3

Little Impact - Think-Tanks - Point

Answer 3

The government is unlikely to listen to a think-tank which they are not ideologically aligned with.

Question 4

Little Impact - Think-Tanks - Examples

Answer 4

• Left-wing Think-Tanks include the Fabian Society and the Institute of Public Policy Research.
• The Institute of Public Policy Research has called for more levelling up in the North, but the Conservatives have not listened.

Question 5

Impact - Think-Tanks - Point

Answer 5

Think-Tanks are often founded with a clear aim and are able to produce research in order to get the government they are aligned with to support their aim.

Question 6

Impact - Think-Tanks - Examples

Answer 6

• Institute of Economic Affairs had massive influence over Liz Truss’ Septemer 2022 mini-budget.
• The Legatum Institute who advocate for a hardline Brexit had many meetings with the European Research Group.

Question 7

Little Impact - Lobbyists - Point

Answer 7

There are strict laws in place to make sure that MPs are not being influenced by money.

Question 8

Little Impact - Lobbyists - Examples

Answer 8

• The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments headed by Lord Pickles is made to monitor the actions of lobbyists.
• MP Owen Patterson was forced to resign after it was found he had approached the Department of International Development on behalf of Randox.

Question 9

Impact - Lobbyists - Point

Answer 9

Lobbying companies use insiders who have connections to the government.

Question 10

Impact - Lobbyists - Examples

Answer 10

• David Cameron has been lobbying on behalf of Greensill Capital.
• Johnson set up an inquiry headed by Nigel Boardman, a Conservative Party Donor, into this scandal - ‘making their own homework.’

Question 11

Little Impact - Point - Pressure Groups

Answer 11

Pressure Groups struggle to gain direct access to the government.

Question 12

Little Impact - Pressure Group - Examples

Answer 12

• Pressure group Kill the Bill held protests across the country against the Police, Crimes and Sentencing Bill and yet it passed in April 2022
• Big Brother were against the 2020 Lockdown, but this still went ahead.

Question 13

Impact - Pressure Groups - Point

Answer 13

Pressure Groups can often get high levels of publicity and backing, this can have massive impact on government decisions.

Question 14

Impact - Pressure Groups - Examples

Answer 14

• The Fare Share campaign helped by Michael Rashford persuade the government to provide free school meals.
• Rethink HS2 and Cheshire Wildlife Group have meant that HS2 is not longer going ahead as initially planned.