pressure groups Flashcards
define pressure groups
they are political organisations that do not run in elections, who try to influence public policy in the interest of a particular cause
how are pressure groups an example of pluralism in democracy
because it shows political power being distributed across society and give members of the public a voice within politics
Give me 3 reasons why people join pressure groups
*lack of representation within the government ( example is gay rights)
* belief and passion about a certain topic (example is environment)
* GAIN ( example of this is national trust
give me 3 factors that would contribute to a succeeding pressure group
- membership size
- wealth
*status
What is an insider group
pressure groups that have close ties and contact with the government - often represent well - resourced powerful groups that can be helpful to government legisllation making
What is an outsider group
pressure groups that do not have close ties with the government - often more radical and take direct action
What is an interest group
pressure groiups that defend and advance the interest of their members - e.g trade unions or business groups
What is a promotional group
Pressure groups that are set out to achieve a certain set of aims such as nuclear disarmament
give an example of an insider pressure group
The national trust
Give an example of when an insider pressure group recieved a government grant
National Heritage Memorial Fund
How does the National trust work as a pressure group
2011 - took strong public stance against changes to land - use planning in england
What are 3 advantages of insider pressure groups
- well resourced and funded
- can have direct influence over legislation
- often invited to take part and gove evidence in select or publlic bill committees
How can insider groups have direct influence over legislation
during green paper legislation often thhe detailed technical needed by effective laws lies with insider groups not whitehall
Give an example of an insider group taking part in parliament committees
2013 - The Kings Fund gave evidence to the health select committee on an inquiry into emergency services and care
Give 3 disadvantages of insider groups
- ‘policy entrapment’
- should not play a part in legislation as they are most affected by the laws they are making
- pressure groups are limited in their involvement in the campaigning process
what are 3 functions of pressure groups
- scrutinise government
- political debate
- political representation
Give an example of how pressure groups carry out their role of political debate
During the debate for a third runway at heathrow - (NoTRAG) No Third Runway at Heathrow Airport argued against these plans
Give an example of a pressure group preforming political representation
The Police Federation
What is an outsider pressure group
a pressure group thats much less likely to have close ties with the government
Give an example of an outsider group preforming direct action
july 2015 - pressure group Plane Stupid cut the fence at heathrow and chained themselves together on the runway resulting in 25 flights being cancelled
Give 3 examples of outsider pressure groups
- farthers 4 justice - campaigns for farthers rights after divorce or breakup
- Militant aimal welfare groups - protest against animal testing
- 2010 70 UK Uncut activists stormed vodaphone on oxford street over claims that vodaphone had dodged £6 billion in tax
Give 3 advantages of outsider pressure groups
- high profile protest make the headlines so publicity promotes the cause
- Have the freedom to act without being constrained to ties with the government
- Direct action can result in prosecution showing members devotion to the cause
What are 3 disadvantages of outsider pressure groups
- Publicity can be due to disruption caused by direct action - would deter people from supporting
- those who are prosecuted may be labelled as extremists which will not favour pressure group
- insider groups take the form of a ‘critical friend’ whereas outsider groups do not have any influence over policy with no ties to government
