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US Politics > Pressure Groups > Flashcards

Pressure Groups Flashcards

1
Q

What are pressure groups?

A

An organised interest group in which members hold similar beliefs and actively pursue ways to influence government.

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2
Q

What are the different types of pressure groups?

A

Causal, sectional.

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3
Q

What is a causal group?

A

Focus on promoting a certain cause or value, seek a broader membership. Disruption/protest.

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4
Q

What is a sectional group?

A

Work with government to stop strikes - aim to protect a section of society.

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5
Q

Who are the most influential pressure groups?

A

NRA, U.S chamber of commerce, American medical association, Americans for prosperity, moveon.org, AIPAC, American federation of labour, National association for the advancement of coloured people.

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6
Q

What is NARAL?

A

They work to elect democratic pro-choice women up and down the ballot, across the country - has a goal of fighting for women’s rights and communities.

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7
Q

What are the actions of NARAL?

A

Recruit and train candidates, build strong campaigns, research the issues that impact women and families, run one of the largest independent expenditure operations for democrats.

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8
Q

What is the vision of NARAL?

A

Elect leaders that reflect women, to ensure policy that can change women’s communities, and the world. Uplift women at every level of office, and every stage of candidacy. Champion diversity.

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9
Q

What is the NRA?

A

Formed in 1871, to promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis.

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10
Q

What are the missions of the NRA?

A

Political advocacy, education and training, legal action, public outreach.

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11
Q

How do the NRA complete political advocacy?

A

Lobbies congress and state legislatures, to oppose gun control measures, support pro gun policies.

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12
Q

How do the NRA complete education and training?

A

Offers a range of programmes focused on firearm safety, hunting, and marksmanship.

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13
Q

How do the NRA complete legal action?

A

Involved in legal battles to challenge gun control law, which it sees as infringing on second amendment rights.

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14
Q

How does the NRA complete public outreach?

A

NRA communicates with its’ membership about gun rights.

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15
Q

What is the NAACP?

A

Founded by a multicultural group of activists in response to racial violence and lynching.

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16
Q

What are the objectives of NAACP?

A

Combat racial discrimination, ensure civil rights, promote educational access, advance economic equity.

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17
Q

What are the achievements of NAACP?

A

Brown v. board of education, civil rights act 1964, voting rights act 1965, legal efforts.

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18
Q

What are the activities of NAACP?

A

Legal advocacy, voter rights and education, grassroots organising, public policy advocacy.

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19
Q

What is pluralism?

A

Power lies with different groups representing different interests, not just the government.

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20
Q

What is Elitism?

A

Power lies with small groups who dominate through wealth, intellect, or family status.

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21
Q

What are the different types of sectional groups?

A

Business and trade groups, labour unions, social groups, professional groups, intergovernmental groups.

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22
Q

What are some examples of business and trade groups?

A

American business conference, US chamber of commerce, national association of manufacturers.

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23
Q

What are the examples of labour unions?

A

United autoworkers, teamsters.

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24
Q

What are the examples of social groups?

A

National organisation for women, NAACP, AARP.

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25
Q

What are the examples of professional groups?

A

American medical association, national education association.

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26
Q

What is an example of intergovernmental groups?

A

National governors’ conference.

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27
Q

What are the different types of causal groups?

A

Single interest groups, ideological groups, policy groups, think tanks.

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28
Q

What are the examples of single interest groups?

A

NRA, MADD, NARAL.

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29
Q

What are the examples of policy groups?

A

Common cause, friends of the earth, sierra club.

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30
Q

What are the examples of think tanks?

A

The heritage foundation, institute for policy studies.

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31
Q

What are the functions of pressure groups?

A

Representation, Agenda building, citizen participation, programme monitoring.

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32
Q

How is representation a function of pressure groups?

A

Means US citizens can have their views represented. Marginalised groups can represent their views.

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33
Q

How is Agenda building a function of pressure groups?

A

Attempt to influence the agenda of political parties, legislators, bureaucrats. Bring together different parts of society.

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34
Q

How is citizen participation a function of pressure groups?

A

Increase opportunities for ordinary citizens to participate in the decision making process.

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35
Q

How is programme monitoring a function of pressure groups?

A

Can scrutinise, hold government to account in the implementation of policies. Ensure that promises are fulfilled, and regulation enforced.

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36
Q

How does Greenpeace participate towards public education?

A

Raises awareness of environmental issues, promotes sustainable practices, encourages civic engagement to address climate change. Publishes reports on environmental damage. Corporate accountability.

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37
Q

What are the methods used by pressure groups?

A

Electioneering and endorsement, lobbying, voting cues and scorecards, organising grassroots activities.

38
Q

How do pressure groups use electioneering and endorsement?

A

National right to life endorsed Trump in 2016, NARAL endorsed Clinton. League of conservation voters publishes ‘dirty dozen’ of people who have been bad for the environment. Only 3 were defeated in 2016.

39
Q

How do pressure groups use lobbying?

A

Pressure groups can supply legislators with information through research, making connections. Some lobbying firms were created by former presidential aides.

40
Q

What were the top 5 industries lobbying the government in 2023?

A

Pharmaceuticals - $198 Million. Electronics - $125 Million. Insurance - $80 Million. Investment - $72 Million. Oil and gas - $71 Million.

41
Q

What are the new registrations of lobbying?

A

Travel tech, aviation, modern Fortics.

42
Q

How can pressure groups use voting cues and scorecards?

A

PG’s can also influence, provide reassurance for the way in which legislators vote for/support certain policies. They publish information for voters.

43
Q

How can pressure groups organise grassroots activities?

A

Target specific legislators to get a particular point across, or raise profile, including social media and phone blitzes. Controversial decisions regarding abortion or guns can create large crowds.

44
Q

What were the impacts AUL protests had on congress?

A

Visibility, lobbying, coalition building, mobilising grassroots support.

45
Q

How did AUL protests increase visibility?

A

Raises awareness about specific issues - anti abortion.

46
Q

How did AUL protests impact lobbying?

A

Provided research analysis, strategic guidance to legislators. Protests can amplify their messages, can be tied to lobbying efforts.

47
Q

How did AUL protests build coalitions?

A

Rallying point for like-minded organisations and individuals, fosters coalitions with other pro life groups.

48
Q

How did AUL protests mobilise grassroots support?

A

Energise their base, encourage grassroots activism. May cause them to be more likely to contact their representatives.

49
Q

What are the influences of pressure groups?

A

Environmental protection, Women’s rights, abortion, gun control, economic inequality.

50
Q

What are the examples of environmental pressure groups?

A

Greenpeace, Sierra club, NRDC, WWF.

51
Q

What is the impact of environmental pressure groups?

A

Sierra Club - Clean air act, clean water act. Earth Justice - Endangered species act, NEPA. Sunrise - Green New deal.

52
Q

What are the examples of women’s rights pressure groups?

A

Planned parenthood, AACW, Women’s march, NWCC.

53
Q

What was the impact of women’s rights pressure groups?

A

Roe v. wade, women’s health protection act, Pay check fairness act, family leave policies.

54
Q

What are the examples of abortion pressure groups?

A

Planned parenthood, NARAL, CPR, ACLU, Women’s march.

55
Q

What was the impact of abortion pressure groups?

A

Defended Roe v. wade, women’s health protection act, measures which require insurance coverage for abortion services.

56
Q

What are the examples of gun control pressure groups?

A

Every town for gun safety, brady campaign, Giffords, sandy hook promise.

57
Q

What was the impact of gun control pressure groups?

A

Virginia - Gun control measures, raised awareness about issues such as gun safety, suicide prevention.

58
Q

What are the examples of pressure groups against economic inequality?

A

United for a fair economy, CPI, Oxfam, America CAP, Indivisible.

59
Q

What was the impact of economic inequality pressure groups?

A

Fight for $15 - Pushed for minimum wage. American rescue plan, Affordable care act - CAP. Indivisible - pushes lawmakers to address issues of economic injustice.

60
Q

What is the impact of pressure groups on government?

A

Lobbying members of congress, lobbying congressional committees, organising constituents, publishing voting records and endorsing candidates.

61
Q

How do pressure groups lobby members of congress?

A

They make direct contact with members of congress and their staff through emails, mail, and meetings.

62
Q

How do pressure groups lobby congressional committees?

A

Direct contact with those in the committees and sub-committees. This is seen as vital, as most of the ground work and preparation for bills is done at the committee stage.

63
Q

How do pressure groups organise constituents?

A

Groups organise and co-ordinate constituents to write to, phone, email, or visit their member of congress. Proposal to join TPP was opposed by over 1500 pressure groups.

64
Q

How do pressure groups publish voting records?

A

Pay for fundraising and media advertising to support and oppose candidates.

65
Q

How do pressure groups impact the executive?

A

Seek to influence regulatory work of federal government - such as health, safety, transport and the environment.

66
Q

How do pressure groups impact the judiciary?

A

Are sometimes involved in the nomination process for supreme court. American bar association evaluates qualifications of nominations, which can influence the senate.

67
Q

How has the ACLU influenced the government?

A

Supported challenging racial segregation in public schools in Brown v. board of education. Led to desegregation of public schools.

68
Q

How has PICS influenced the government?

A

PICS vs. Seattle school district shaped how race can be used in public school assignments.

69
Q

How has the NRA influenced the courts?

A

DC vs. Heller - Filed amicus briefs - provided legal support. SC ruled in favour of individual gun ownership.

70
Q

How has NFIB influenced the government?

A

NIFB v. Seblicus - challenged constitutionality of ACA - SC upheld the mandate of congress’ authority.

71
Q

How did the ACLU influence the government in 2017?

A

Legally challenged Trump’s executive order, banning travellers from Muslim majority countries.

72
Q

What are Amicus Curae briefs?

A

Friend of the court - packs of information relating to a case. PG’s give them to the court to help their case.

73
Q

How are Amicus curae briefs used?

A

Ask lawyers to write them for them. Judges will read to the ones written by the best lawyers. Judges will trust lawyers with the best material. Groups submit information of court cases with the hope of influencing the court.

74
Q

What are the arguments in favour of pressure groups?

A

Balancing interests, Enhancing democracy, Encouraging civic participation, influencing positive change, policy expertise, economic advocacy.

75
Q

How has the NAACP had a positive impact on America?

A

Civil rights advocacy, Brown v. board of education - led to desegregation of schools.

76
Q

How has the Sierra club had a positive impact on America?

A

Clean air act, endangered species act, opposing keystone XL pipeline.

77
Q

How has Planned Parenthood had a positive impact on America?

A

Reproductive rights.

78
Q

What are the arguments against pressure groups?

A

Revolving door syndrome, Iron Triangle, Military industrial complex, Inequality of groups, buying political influence.

79
Q

What is the revolving door syndrome?

A

After leaving congress, many former members of congress become a lobbyist on Washington D.C. They can use expertise with their new lobbying firm.

80
Q

What is the Iron Triangle?

A

The relationship between congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups - providing electoral support, special favours, funding, and political support, and different policy choices.

81
Q

What is the Military Industrial Complex?

A

The relationship between the military establishment, defence contractors, and policymakers. Describes the interplay of interests and influence which arise when the defence industry interests align with military and political objectives.

82
Q

How is the Military industrial complex a positive?

A

Economic Growth, Global perspectives, public engagement, checks and balances, global stability.

83
Q

How is the Military industrial complex a negative?

A

Concentration of power, reduced accountability, suppression of dissent, resource allocation, Militarisation of foreign policy.

84
Q

What is the evidence of the Military industrial complex?

A

The U.S. Defence budget surpassed $800 Billion in recent years, larger than the combined defence budgets of the next several countries. Military projects such as the F-35 fighter jet program.

85
Q

Why is Inequality of groups a negative of pressure groups?

A

Defenders of pressure groups say the system is fair. However, some pressure groups don’t have as much money as others do. The NRA has more money than Handgun control.

86
Q

How do pressure groups divide society?

A

Focus on a narrow set of issues, can lead to prioritising their own agenda. Some groups represent specific interests which aren’t in the public good. They can intensify political and ideological divided.

87
Q

How do different groups buy political influence?

A

ACA - Lobbyists from health influence companies, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, American medical association. Consumer Protection Act - JP Morgan lobbied to soften certain provisions.

88
Q

Why is direct action sometimes criticised?

A

Disruption of public life and services - Could alienate supporters. Potential for escalation into violence, Legal and ethical concerns, divisive tactics. Risk of overshadowing the cause. Economic consequences.

89
Q

What is the history of Black Lives Matter?

A

Sparked by killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida. Shooter was acquitted - was seen as racial bias in the justice system.

90
Q

What are the aims of Black lives matter?

A

End police violence, reallocate funds from police to community programmes, combat systemic racism across society, end mass incarceration.

91
Q

What are the actions of Black lives matter?

A

Organise protests and demonstrations, advocating for policy reforms, support community programmes and mutual aid. Raising awareness through social media.

92
Q

What is the impact of Black lives matter?

A

Increased awareness and conversations about racial injustice, policy reforms in policing and criminal justice, expansion of police accountability and transparency, increased voter mobilisation and political engagement.

US Politics (4 decks)

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