Pressure Groups Flashcards
Pressure groups definition
A membership-based association whose aim is
to influence policy-making without seeking power, have a variety
of aims and employ different methods, but they all have in common a desire to
influence government without becoming government itself.
Causal Groups
An association whose goal
is to promote a particular
cause or set of beliefs or
values. Such groups seek
to promote favourable
legislation, prevent
unfavorable legislation or
simply bring an issue on to
the political agenda (e.g Greenpeace)
Sectional groups
An association that has an
identifiable membership
or supporting group. Such
groups represent a section
of society and are mainly
concerned with their own
interests (e.g Taxpayers’ Alliance)
Insider
Are groups that seek to become involved in the early stages of policy- and law-making.
This means that they are often consulted by decision-makers and sometimes can
offer expert advice and information.
l Some such groups employ professional lobbyists whose job it is to gain access to
decision-makers and make high-quality presentations of their case
Outsider
Are those groups that do not enjoy a special position within governing
circles. This may be because decision-makers do not wish to be seen to be too close to them or because a group itself wants to maintain its independence from
government. More radical groups, such as the Animal Liberation Front, have a history of using illegal or violent protests to raise awareness of their aims, may find
governments do not wish to be associated with them.
Methods pressure groups may use?
Public Campaigning, Media campaigning, lobbying (insider), protests, direct action (usually outsider), illegal methods, Financial grants to parties or through the courts.
An example of an Oustider group
Extinction rebellion, Insulate Britain etc
An example of an Insider group
The National Farmers’ union
A sectional group
Age Uk, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
A Causal group
