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.