Pressure Groups Flashcards
Example of an insider group
The British Medical Association (BMA)
What are the main aims of the BMA
Acts as the doctors trade union, to improve pay and conditions
Lobbies the government for improvements to healthcare and public health
Examples of the BMA successfully lobbying government
A minimum unit price for alcohol sales
A sugar tax on drinks
Banning smoking indoors
What was the BMA’s membership
160,000 doctors and medical students
What are insider groups
Those that are consulted by the government and therefore have insider status. Need to be law abiding with a good public image to retain trust from government
Example of the BMA organising a strike
Organised the first full strike by junior doctors in April 2016, over changes to the junior doctors’ contract
Examples of the government implanting policies pushed by the BMA
An opt-out system for organ donation (2020)
A sugar tax on fizzy drinks (2018)
A smoking ban in enclosed public places (2007)
Compulsory seatbelts for all occupants of cars (1991)
Example of an outsider group
Extinction Rebellion
What are the aims of Extinction Rebellion
Make government act faster on climate change
What methods have Extinction Rebellion used
Direct action and civil disobedience
Mass protests
Mass arrests, which are intended to fill police cells
How have Extinction Rebellion used mass protest
Blocking roads and buildings
Gluing themselves to buildings and train carriages
Spraying the Treasury with fake blood
How have Extinction Rebellion used mass arrests
1828 protesters were arrested in October 2019
What ways can pressure groups work within the system
Influencing government
Influencing parliament
Including political parties
Using the courts
What ways can pressure groups work outside the system
Appealing to the public
Background campaigns
Short-term campaigns
Direct action
What factors are likely to affect the political influence of pressure groups
Membership
Resources
Aims
Public support
Methods
Celebrity endorsement
Links with political parties
Links with government
Relationship with media
Legal victories
Example of a pressure group with a highly regarded membership
BMA
What’s an example of government ignoring a pressure group with a large membership
BMA
What’s an example of a highly funded pressure group
CBI - 13 offices across the UK
Example of a pressure group winning legal battles
ClientEarth
Example of a pressure group with an easily achievable aim
The Snowdrop Campaign
Example of a pressure group going too far with its methods
Stop Huntington Animal Cruelty 2014
Example of celebrity endorsement
Marcus Rashford in 2020
Example of a pressure group endorsing government policy
BMA endorsed Labour’s 2007 smoking ban
Example of a pressure group influencing policy
BMA and Labour’s 2007 smoking ban
