Pressure Groups Flashcards
What’s a PG
A group that tries to influence public policy in the interest of a particular cause.
What do PGs aim to achieve
all have a set of aims
often seek influence over political decisions
focus on a relatively narrow range of issues
operate at different levels of govt
use different methods to achieve their aims
Functions of PGs
vital part of check on govt power
conduit for popular participation
representation of social groups
promotion of causes
educates the public
holds govt to account
informing and influencing policy making
methods of PGs
insider status
lobbying
funding political parties
public opinion campaigns
the media
direct action
civil disobedience
the courts
What is professional lobbying?
when an individual/group tries to persuade Parliament to support a particular policy/campaign
done in person/by letter or via social media
anybody can lobby their MP or member of HoL
When does lobbying especially take place?
when a change to legislation is being considered
Lobbying is often done on behalf of…
former MPs or Westminster insiders
How does lobbying help democracy
MPs listen to the public
installs elitism
decentralises power
lots of charities lobby
How does lobbying hinder democracy?
more often than not, money is necessary to be heard
only represents the elite
facilitates corruption
unprofessional lobbyists get less access
Lobbying in Westminster
141 firms/individuals on govt official register
784 firms/individuals on CIPR
How much is spent on lobbying
unknown
alliance for Lobbying Transparency estimates £2bn
Methods used by lobbyists to influence govt decisions
consultation
neutralising the opposition
controlling the web
opening the ‘revolving door’
buying
engineering a following
funding a think tank
response to lobbying scandals
Lobbying Act Jan 2014
introduces registers of consultant lobbyists to enforce registration requirements
regulated election campaign spending more closely on those not standing
