Politics Paper 1 - Pressure Groups

Question 1

What is a protective pressure group?

Answer 1

Steward 1958
defend the rights of ones person or a category in society.
e.g BMA

Question 2

What is a promotional pressure group?

Answer 2

Steward 1958
defend the rights of a section of society not immediate to themseleves.
e.g RSPCB

Question 3

What is the difference between an insider and outsider pressure group?

Answer 3

Grant 1980’s
Insider - groups that are consulted by government and have access to Whitehall
Outsider - either do not want or are unable to gain recognition from the gov.

Question 4

What is the pluralist approach to pressure groups?

Answer 4

originally developed in the US by Truman 1951
believe that groups are a natural and positive element of the political sphere. group concerns reflect that of ordinary people and that they allow minority voices to be heard. They are catered to the representation of a heterogenous population.

Question 5

What is the new right approach to pressure groups?

Answer 5

Thatcher 1970/80’s
doubtful as to whether groups are a good influence. expressed alarm about the role and power of some groups. saw them as distorting the proper role of the executive and legislature.
‘serpents that strangle efficient gov.’ - Herd

Question 6

What is the corporatist approach to pressure groups?

Answer 6

Callaghan Labour gov.
corporatist means bringing organised interests into the process of government. its meaning can range from institutionalised involvement of interest groups with the state or a weaker version known as tripartism. here the tripod would all discuss social and economic policy.

Question 7

What is a criticism to a corporatist approach to pressure groups?

Answer 7

it is a threat to representative democracy, and is beyond the means of democratic accountability and scrutiny.

Question 8

What is the marxist approach to pressure groups?

Answer 8

critical of government and insider groups as it is a contributor to elitism.
they want pluralism.

Question 9

What are the 3 main factors for success for pressure groups?

Answer 9

resources
insider status
political climate

Question 10

Why is there a growing popularity of Direct Action?

Answer 10

Since the 1980’s there has been a huge increase in concern for the environment which has triggered a lot of ecotage.
social media makes it easier for people to get involved in socio-political movements.

Question 11

What are the 3 main access points for pressure groups to infiltrate gov.?

Answer 11

Executive
Legislature
Media