PRESSURE GROUPS

Question 1

Explain and analyse three ways in which pressure groups contribute to political pluralism in the US.

Answer 1

1. Representation of Interests
   • Groups give voice to diverse constituencies.
   • Example: NAACP advocating for racial equality.
   • Analysis: Strengthens democracy but can overrepresent elites.
2. Public Awareness
   • Campaigns inform citizens.
   • Example: Environmental lobbying by Greenpeace.
   • Analysis: Educates voters but risks spreading misinformation.
3. Checks on Government
   • Pressure groups monitor power.
   • Example: ACLU challenging laws in court (e.g., Trump’s travel ban).
   • Analysis: Enhances accountability but can stall policies.

Question 2

Explain and analyse three ways the US political system encourages pressure group activity.

Answer 2

1. Access Points
   • Federalism provides multiple levels for lobbying.
   • Example: State-level campaigns for marijuana legalization.
   • Analysis: Decentralization amplifies influence opportunities.
2. Weak Parties
   • Pressure groups fill policy voids.
   • Example: NRA shaping Republican gun policy.
   • Analysis: Enhances issue focus but weakens party cohesion.
3. First Amendment Protections
   • Guarantees free speech and petition.
   • Example: Citizens United (2010) allowed unlimited Super PAC funding.
   • Analysis: Expands influence but enables corporate dominance.

Question 3

Explain and analyse three ways in which pressure group funding of elections affects politics in the USA.

Answer 3

1. Influence Over Candidates
   • Groups back candidates who align with their policies.
   • Example: NRA donations shaping Republican gun policies.
   • Analysis: Ensures representation of interests but risks “pay-to-play” politics.
2. Shaping Policy Agendas
   • Candidates prioritize donors’ issues once in office.
   • Example: Pharmaceutical industry lobbying impacts drug pricing reforms.
   -tried blocking Medicare negotiations
3. Expanding Campaign Reach
   • Funding enables widespread advertising and outreach.
   • Example: Super PACs supporting Biden in 2020 spent heavily on digital ads.
   • Analysis: Amplifies messages but deepens wealth inequalities in politics.

Question 4

Explain and analyse three methods used by pressure groups to influence the executive branch of government.

Answer 4

1. Lobbying Key Officials
   • Directly advocate policies to executive agencies.
   • Example: Environmental groups lobbying the EPA for stricter regulations.
   • Analysis: Ensures specialized input but can lead to regulatory capture.
2. Amicus Curiae Briefs
   • Submit arguments to influence court decisions tied to executive actions.
   • Example: ACLU briefs in cases challenging Trump’s immigration policies.
   • Analysis: Indirectly impacts executive power but not always successful.
3. Public Campaigns
   • Pressure the executive via public opinion.
   • Example: Black Lives Matter protests influencing Biden’s executive actions on police reform.
   • Analysis: Mobilizes public but outcomes depend on administration priorities.

Question 5

Explain and analyse three typologies of pressure groups in the US.

Answer 5

1. Cause Groups
   • Advocate for specific issues or values.
   • Example: Sierra Club focuses on environmental protection.
   • Analysis: Drives awareness but success varies with public support.
2. Sectional Groups
   • Represent specific demographics or industries.
   • Example: AFL-CIO representing labor unions.
   • Analysis: Secures tangible benefits but limited to members’ interests.
3. insider groups
   - chamber of commerce - pro business policies + free trade - against trump tariffs