Methods used by pressure groups Flashcards
Define lobbying
An activity to promote causes and interests. Includes organising large gatherings at parliament or council offices, seeking direct meetings with decision makers and employing professional organisations to run campaigns
What do the methods pressure groups use depend upon?
The access points they have available
What is public campaigning?
Used by groups without direct access to government to convince the government to listen to them. Ranges from holding public demonstations, organising and holding e-petitions, using celebrities for publicity or using civil disobedience
What is the aim of ‘Plane Stupid’?
Prevent airport expansions
List the methods used by ‘Plane Stupid’?
- Invading airports and blocking flights
- Occupying airport terminals
- Blocking airport entrances
- Delaying Heathrow expansion threw judicial review case
- Organising e-petitions
What is the aim of the Animal Liberation Front
To end mink farming for fur
What are the methods of the Animal Liberation Front?
- Breaking into mink farms and releasing captive minks into the wild
What is the aim of Extinction Rebellion?
To persuade the government to take action on climate change
Give an example of a method used by Extinction Rebellion
Organising public demonstrations that blocked major roads
Why might pressure groups make financial contributions to political parties?
As a means of finding favour for their cause or interest and influencing favour
Give real world examples of pressure groups making donations to political parties
- Trade Unions have long financed the Labour party
- Businesses and large companies send donations to all political parties, but especially the Conservatives
Why do some groups look to gain the support of an MP?
- The MP can raise the interests of the group by raising issues in debate or lobbying ministers
- If sitting on legislative comittees, they can influence the content of the legislation, or propose and oppose amendments
Why are media campaigns important to pressure groups?
They hope the press, TV or radio will publicise their concerns
Why do some pressure groups resort to direct action?
Public demonstrations and strikes can be organised to cause mass disruption, as this can put pressure on government
Why do some groups resort to illegal methods?
This is often a last resort when all else has failed, but they are also useful as a means of gaining publicity.
