pressure groups Flashcards
what is a pressure group?
a group that aims to influence policy without seeking office/power
what is a promotional group? and an example
a group whose goal is to promote a particular cause. such groups seek to promote favourable legislation.
e.g liberty, Greenpeace, PETA
what is a sectional group? and an example
a group which represents the issues of a certain section of society and are concerned with their own interests.
e.g Age UK, taxpayers alliance, confederation of British industry (CBI)
what are insider groups?
groups that have close links with decision makers at all levels.
what tactics to insider groups use?
employ lobbyists, become involved in early stages of policy making, represented on government committees.
what are outsider groups?
groups that do not enjoy a special position within governing circles
why do outsider groups not have close links?
decision makers don’t wish to be seen close to them as some such as extinction rebellion are radical and use civil disobedience as a tactic. or they just wish to remain independent.
how to pressure groups represent citizens?
they campaign on behalf of peoples rights and if governments are infringing those rights.
e.g liberty, campaign against compulsory ID cards
what are factors for pressure group success?
well financed, strong public support, sympathetic government
why is finance a success factor
groups with more money can afford more lobbyists, better financed campaign, can sponsor political parties/
e.g business groups (CBI, IOD) secured favourable treatment from governments
why is public support a success factor?
groups with large public support can bring attention to decision makers or even influence policy.
e.g Marcus Rashford free school meals caused government U-turn.
groups like extinction rebellion do not have great public support and have trouble influencing government due to methods
why is government compatibility a success factor?
groups that are compatible with sympathetic governments have greater chance of influence.
e.g NSPCC success with flaw in the law campaign in 2017 conservative government
however trade unions struggle with conservative govt
how to pressure groups enhance democracy?
educate the public about important issues, give people more opportunity to participate in politics, promote the interests of minority groups, can hold government to account.
how can pressure groups threaten democracy?
some pressure groups are elitist and concentrate power in few hands, influential groups may distort information for own interests, since finance is a key factor wealthy groups have more influence than poorer groups
what impact do celebrities have on a campaign?
they often attract media attention e.g Joanna Lumley campaigned in case of Gurkhas which sought residence in uk for Gurkhas, case was successful in 2009
