modern studies influence (democracy) Flashcards
Explain, in detail, why pressure groups are influential within a democracy (8)
One reason pressure groups are influential within a democracy is because they allow everyone to have a voice for their opinion. This is influential because if this wasn’t a thing people wouldn’t be able to voice their opinion until the next election. For example, A pro Palestine group vandalised Donald Trumps golf course in Scotland, gaining a lot of media attention.
Another reason why pressure groups are influential within a democracy is because pressure groups give people a much greater chance of being heard on one specific issue. A larger group of people coming together for the same reason will help for the government to actually take action. For example, the Sepsis Society managed to persuade the Scottish government to introduce awareness campaigns on sepsis.
Explain, in detail, why the media is very influential within a democracy (8)
One reason why the media is influential within a democracy is because it gains
Describe, in detail, two methods used by pressure groups to gain influence in a democracy (6)
One method used by pressure groups to gain influence in a democracy is protesting. This is influential because when large groups come together about the same issue it is more recognised on a larger scale. For example, in 2024 protests were held in George Square in Glasgow to encourage the Scottish Parliament to condemn the attacks on Gaza.
Another method used by pressure groups to gain influence in a democracy is petitions. This allows more people to participate because they dont actually have to go out and they can just sign it online this means more people will sign. For example, The Scottish parliament is currently considering a petition on permanently removing peak fares from Scotrail services. This was signed by nearly 800 people.
Explain, in detail, why some people in Scotland participate in pressure groups (8)
One reason why some people in Scotland participate in pressure groups is to raise awareness about causes. By joining a pressure group it allows people to organise events and educate people on their issue. For example, someone affected by disability might join Inclusion Scotland to campaign for better accessibility and equality for disabled people.
Another reason why some people in Scotland participate in pressure groups is because they feel the government isnt doing enough. Some people believe the government are to slow or un affective on working on issues so participating in pressure groups lets them put pressure on the government to do things . For example, during debates about the climate crisis or oil drilling in the North sea, groups like Extinction Rebbellion Scotland have stepped in to apply pressure through protests and public demonstrations.
Another reason why some people in Scotland participate in pressure groups is to take direct action. Some people prefer this because they feel like taking direct action is better because its more likely to actually make a impact. For example, All Under One Banner organizes marches for Scottish independence, these mass events give people a way to publicly express their views.
