Pressure group analysis

Question 1

List the 5 main reasons why someone might join a pressure group

Answer 1

• Representation
• Need
• Personal beliefs
• Participation
• Material benefits

Question 2

Why might someone join a pressure group for representation?

Answer 2

People may join if feel inadequately represented by the main political parties. This is often the case for minority groups

Question 3

Why might someone join a pressure group for personal beliefs?

Answer 3

People may join because they want to be around people who share their goals and beliefs

Question 4

Why might someone join a pressure group for participation?

Answer 4

Allows people to participate in a political issue and express their views

Question 5

Why might someone join a pressure group for material benefit?

Answer 5

Some may join to get something out of it rather than for the cause itself. This will boost membership but members won’t be particularly committed

Question 6

Why might someone join a pressure group for need?

Answer 6

They might feel as though they have to join for things like job protection or achieving a goal

Question 7

List the advantages of the internet for pressure groups

Answer 7

• Cheap way of spreading information and raising awareness
• Easier and cheaper to coordinate group events
• Easier and more convenient means of participation
• Social media can be used to target campaigns at those likely to be interested

Question 8

List the disadvantages of the internet for pressure groups

Answer 8

• Lots of pressure groups present online making it difficult to stand out
• Even if a campaign goes viral, there is no guarantee the message will be understood
• Professional website and expertise are required to be truly successful, both of which are expensive
• Could lead to slacktivism, where people engage on social media but fail to participate beyond the superficial
• The misuse of personal data gathered on the internet could turn the public against groups

Question 9

What is the benefit of a pluralist democracy?

Answer 9

There are multiple ways for people for voice concerns and influence the government

Question 10

Give the reasons that suggest pressure groups enhance democracy

Answer 10

• Disperse power and influence widely
• Educate the public about political issues
• More opportunity to politically participate in a way that doesn’t require too much time or money
• Protect and promote minority interests
• Hold the government to account by publicising the effects of policy

Question 11

Give the reasons that pressure groups can be seen as a threat to democracy

Answer 11

• Some groups are elitist and this can concentrate power in too few hands
• Influential groups can distort info in their favour
• Internally undemocratic groups may not accurately represent the interests of their members
• Wealthy groups wield disproportionate influence
• Civil disobedience and illegal actions can undermine the rights of other citizens