Law reform- pressure groups

Question 1

What are pressure groups

Answer 1

Organisations that seek to influence the direction of law and policy on the basis of the views and opinions of their members. They can put a lot of pressure on parliament

Question 2

What are the two different types of pressure groups

Answer 2

Interest groups

Cause groups

Question 3

What are interest groups

Answer 3

represent a particular section of society such as workers, employees, consumers, ethnic or religious groups,…

Question 4

Name specific examples of interest groups

Answer 4

• the law society

- national union of teachers

Question 5

What are interest groups motivated by

Answer 5

self interest

Question 6

What are cause groups

Answer 6

Based on shared attitudes or values rather than the common interests of their members. They aim to help certain causes ranging from charity activities, poverty reduction,…

Question 7

Name specific examples of cause groups

Answer 7

• The worldwide fund for nature

- Amnesty international

Question 8

What are cause groups motivated by

Answer 8

moral issues

Question 9

What tactics do cause groups use

Answer 9

• protests
• lobbying MPs
• petitions

Question 10

Three reasons why pressure groups are effective

Answer 10

• raise public awareness on key issues
• enhance democracy and give ordinary people a chance to engage in politics
• their specialist knowledge can inform government

Question 11

Three reasons why pressure groups aren’t effective

Answer 11

• Only provide one sided view of the issue
• if the group is small it may not be based on substantial research]
• Some groups encourage illegal activity