interest groups Flashcards
what is a policy group
tries to exert influence over a whole policy area
what is a professional group
represents the interests of its members (similar to unions)
what is a single issue group
tries to exert influence on a specific area
how are pressure groups effective at scrutinising the gov
-scrutinises gov decisions + protest them in their own interest
-a successful outcome is an excellent result for a limited gov
how are pressure groups ineffective at scrutinising the gov
-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
how are pressure groups effective in increasing representation
-the social make up of congress doesn’t reflect society (interest groups can represent unrepresented groups)
how are pressure groups ineffective in increasing representation
-undermines representative democracy
-can encourage a ‘tyranny of the minority’
how are pressure groups effective in encouraging participation
-allow the disaffected + apathetic to be involved in an area of politics which most interests them
how are pressure groups ineffective in encouraging participation
-illegal participation is inherently illiberal and undermines ‘democracy’ more generally
how are interest groups influential
-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
how are interest groups lacking in influence
-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
similarities between interest groups (power)
-groups are able to access members of the executive/legislature through lobbying
-free media in both countries
differences between interest groups (power)
-court cases are more commonly brought by interest groups in the US
-mass protests more complex in US due to its size
similarities between interest groups (methods)
-both can use lobbying to access the gov
-both use media + advertising
-both organise protests + demonstrations
differences between interest groups (methods)
-US groups more involved in elections
-more common for groups in the US to rate congressmen
-legal action carries more weight in the US
similarities between interest groups (influence)
-give evidence to committees in the legislative branch
-use courts to exert influence on the gov
-more influence if they have more members/money
differences between interest groups (influence)
-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
factors affecting interest groups influence
-group finances
-group membership
-expertise
resources and tactics of interest groups
-lobbying
-legal methods
-congressional report cards + funding
-protests + demonstrations
-publicity + media
