ii) Pressure Groups

Question 1

Name the types of pressure groups:

Answer 1

Insider groups
Outsider groups
Sectional/interest groups
Promotional/ cause groups

Question 2

What is an insider group?

Answer 2

A group with a special relationship to government – aims are normally compatible

Question 3

What is an outsider group?

Answer 3

A group that is not closely associated with government and is largely excluded from political consultation – usually concentrate on public opinion to pressurise the government

Question 4

What is a sectional/interest pressure group?

Answer 4

Membership is restricted to certain members of society eg. teachers, lawyers with the aim to protect that group

Question 5

What is a promotional/cause group?

Answer 5

Membership is open and seeks to gain mass support with altruistic policies ie. aim to benefit wider society

Question 6

What are the other collective organisations?

Answer 6

Think Tanks
Lobbyists
Businesses

Question 7

What are think tanks? + example

Answer 7

A group of experts that generate ideas and often work with political parties to develop new policy ideas
Eg. right-of-centre Adam Smith Institute

Question 8

What are lobbyists?

Answer 8

Professional lobbying firms that act on behalf of companies and groups, seeking to influence decision-making by developing close links with politicians

Question 9

Why are lobbyists criticised?

Answer 9

They enable wealthy groups to “buy influence” through a fee

Question 10

How much is spent on professional lobbying a year?

Answer 10

Over £2 billion

Question 11

How are businesses an example of a collective organisation?

Answer 11

Large companies are in regular contact with relevant government departments for self-interest eg. Google

Question 12

What is the “revolving door”?

Answer 12

“Revolving door” occurs when retired politicians take well-paid jobs in the private sector and may use close contacts for the companies benefit

Question 13

What is an access point?

Answer 13

The places where pressure groups aim to exert their influence

Question 14

Name access points:

Answer 14

• Government
• The media and public
• Political parties
• The EU
• Courts
• Local councils

Question 15

Name some insider group methods:

Answer 15

Discussions with cabinet ministers
Appealing as a witness at select committees
Provide specialist information when government is creating policy

Question 16

Name some outsider group methods:

Answer 16

Strikes
Rallies and demonstrations
Publicity stunts
Civil disobedience

Question 17

What are the 4 key factors that contribute to pressure group success?

Answer 17

Resources
Ideological compatibility with the government
Popularity
Expertise

Question 18

Give an example of a PG with resources:

Answer 18

Friends of Israel

Question 19

Give an example of a PG with ideological compatibility:

Answer 19

Migration Watch UK and Conservative governments

Question 20

Give an example of a PG with popularity:

Answer 20

Ghurkha Justice Campaign

Question 21

Give an example of a PG with expertise:

Answer 21

BMA is full of professionals

Question 22

Why was the pressure group “Surfers Against Sewage” successful?

Answer 22

It was popular, as received support from public and other pressure groups
It has ideological compatibility as May and Environment Secretary, Gove, liked the proposals
“Message in a Bottle Campaign”
In 2018, government announced a deposit return scheme for recycling as a result

Question 23

Why was the pressure group “Stop the War Coalition” unsuccessful?

Answer 23

In 2003 a million people marched through London to protest Blair’s support for American-led invasion of Iraq
March was peaceful and powerful but did NOT change government policy
Lack of success due to no government compatibility as Blair was committed to overthrowing Saddam Hussein + received Tory support