interest groups

Question 1

what is a policy group

Answer 1

tries to exert influence over a whole policy area

Question 2

what is a professional group

Answer 2

represents the interests of its members (similar to unions)

Question 3

what is a single issue group

Answer 3

tries to exert influence on a specific area

Question 4

how are pressure groups effective at scrutinising the gov

Answer 4

-scrutinises gov decisions + protest them in their own interest
-a successful outcome is an excellent result for a limited gov

Question 5

how are pressure groups ineffective at scrutinising the gov

Answer 5

-changing the minds of those who have been elected could be negative for representative democracy
-‘buying’ access through lobbying could be bad for ‘free + fair’ elections

Question 6

how are pressure groups effective in increasing representation

Answer 6

-the social make up of congress doesn’t reflect society (interest groups can represent unrepresented groups)

Question 7

how are pressure groups ineffective in increasing representation

Answer 7

-undermines representative democracy
-can encourage a ‘tyranny of the minority’

Question 8

how are pressure groups effective in encouraging participation

Answer 8

-allow the disaffected + apathetic to be involved in an area of politics which most interests them

Question 9

how are pressure groups ineffective in encouraging participation

Answer 9

-illegal participation is inherently illiberal and undermines ‘democracy’ more generally

Question 10

how are interest groups influential

Answer 10

-groups can bring cases to the supreme court
-groups can submit reports to congress on proposed bills
-groups can provide congress with expert info on their issue

Question 11

how are interest groups lacking in influence

Answer 11

-the supreme court decides which cases it will hear
-the power of incumbency suggests such campaigns are of limited value
-this will be only one factor that congress considers

Question 12

similarities between interest groups (power)

Answer 12

-groups are able to access members of the executive/legislature through lobbying
-free media in both countries

Question 13

differences between interest groups (power)

Answer 13

-court cases are more commonly brought by interest groups in the US
-mass protests more complex in US due to its size

Question 14

similarities between interest groups (methods)

Answer 14

-both can use lobbying to access the gov
-both use media + advertising
-both organise protests + demonstrations

Question 15

differences between interest groups (methods)

Answer 15

-US groups more involved in elections
-more common for groups in the US to rate congressmen
-legal action carries more weight in the US

Question 16

similarities between interest groups (influence)

Answer 16

-give evidence to committees in the legislative branch
-use courts to exert influence on the gov
-more influence if they have more members/money

Question 17

differences between interest groups (influence)

Answer 17

-groups in the US have the supreme court as the final court
-judicial rulings in the UK can be ignored by the gov
-greater number of access points in the US = greater chance of achieving influence

Question 18

factors affecting interest groups influence

Answer 18

-group finances
-group membership
-expertise

Question 19

resources and tactics of interest groups

Answer 19

-lobbying
-legal methods
-congressional report cards + funding
-protests + demonstrations
-publicity + media