Pressure groups

Question 1

Which are more powerful, PG or political parties
- PG

Answer 1

• iron triangle allow large corporations influence over exec and congress
• campaign donations and lobbyists influence exec and congress
• corporations provide essential jobs
• revolving door
• more focused than parties

Question 2

Which are more powerful, PG or political parties?
- political parties

Answer 2

• wield legislative power in both houses sometimes
• can determine fed gov policy
• appoint nominees, fed gov and SC (senate)

Question 3

DO PACs and Super PACs have too much influence in elections?
- yes

Answer 3

• right to spend unlimited amount through SPACs can bypass finance restrictions
• funded by minority, 1% provided 2/3 of funding for fed candidates 2016
• SPACs increased spending in elections
• donations to members of congress can sway how they vote
• increased influence of PG, corporations, PACs and SPACs has reduced the importance of political parties

Question 4

Do PACs and Super PACs have too much influence in elections?
- no

Answer 4

• if us is pluralist PG must be able to fully participate in elections
• PG represent broader range of issues
• 2004-08 Obama rejected matching funds and raised a lot more
• 2016 SPACs spent $129 million more on Clinton then Trump
• public hold members of Congress account for their actions
• SPACs spending helps parties

Question 5

Are pressure groups in the USA too powerful?
- yes

Answer 5

• elitist, larger corps have more influence than smaller groups
• lobbying industry, revolving door
• iron triangle
• NRA opposed gun legislation, big influence
• citizens united case
• PG election campaigning reinforces incumbency
• direct action can lead to violence
• PG can undermine political parties

Question 6

Are pressure groups in the USA too powerful?
- no

Answer 6

• PG essential to pluralist society
• social movements cheap and effective alternative to wealthy groups
• lobbying subject to regulations, after jack abramoff
• access does not guarantee influence
• PG important role scrutinising exec and congress
• legislators accountable to voters at elections
• PG improved civil rights
• PG provide info on candidates
• direct action puts important issues on political agenda

Question 7

Do US or UK pressure groups have more influence?
- US

Answer 7

• more access points to target
• weak party discipline
• spend unlimited amounts on campaigning
• iron triangles
• lobbyists relationships with congress, abramoff

Question 8

Do US or UK pressure groups have more influence?
- UK

Answer 8

• lack of entrenched constitution means PG can influence P to make massive changes to laws (gun control, abortion, same sex marriage)
• tight finance laws means poorly funded groups are at less of a disadvantage than in USA
• lobbying industry is growing
• revolving door exists in the UK