Pressure groups Flashcards
What is a pressure group?
an organisation that seeks to influence public policy or decision making without seeking political office
What are the 4 types of pressure groups?
- insider groups
- outsider groups
- interest groups
- promotional groups
What are insider groups?
- direct access to decision-makers
- typically consulted on policy issues
- E.g. British Medical Association (BMA) advises on health policy.
What are outsider groups?
- These groups do not have regular access to decision-makers. They may use media campaigns, protests, or direct action to gain attention.
- e.g. Extinction Rebellion, uses disruptive protests to gain attention.
What are interest groups?
- groups that represent the interests of a particular section of society, such as a profession or trade
- e.g. National Union of Teachers, represents teachers
What are promotional groups?
- Groups that promote a particular cause or value, open to anyone who supports their aims.
- Greenpeace, campaigns for environmental protection
What methods do pressure groups use to influence policy?
- lobbying politicians
- media campaigns: use of mass media and social media
- Direct Action: strikes, protests, civil disobedience
- petitions and demonstrations
What is the role of think tanks, give an example
- independent research organisations that provide policy ideas to influence government decisions
- E.g. Institute for Economic Affairs, promotes free-market solutions
What do lobbyists do?
Lobbyists are paid professionals who try to influence government policy on behalf of clients by providing information, arranging meetings, and advising on legislation
What concerns exist about lobbyists?
- lack of transparency: Lobbyists do not always have to disclose who they are meeting or what they are lobbying for.
- ‘Revolving Door’: politicians moving into lobbying roles after leaving office, or vice versa. Creates a conflict of interest
- Wealthy clients have an unfair advantage: access to financial resource’s gives wealthy clients and corporations an unfair advantage
How do corporations influence politics?
- donate to political parties
- lobby for favourable regulations
- threaten to relocate or withdraw investment
How does the media influence pressure group success?
- amplifies pressure groups message
- help gain public attention
- can help set political agenda if they gain enough influence and attention
What are the factors affecting pressure groups success?
- Resources
- Membership
- Status
How do resources affect a pressure groups success?
- wealth allows groups to hire lobbyists, fund campaigns and pay for research
- gives an advantage in influencing policy
How does membership affect a pressure groups success
- large memberships provide legitimacy and the ability to influence public opinion
- can help pressure politicians
How can status affect a pressure groups success?
- insider status allows direct access to decision-makers
- outsider groups rely more on public campaigns and media strategies
What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct action?
- advantage: gains media attention and raises awareness
- risk: can damage public opinion and undermine the rule of law
What is an example of civil disobedience by a pressure group
Extinction Rebellion: blocking roads and staging sit-ins to highlight the climate crisis
What are the links between pressure groups and political parties?
- some groups have strong party links e.g. Trade Unions with Labour
- Others maintain neutrality to engage with all parties
What is a criticism of internal democracy within pressure groups?
leadership may be unaccountable to members, undermining their claim to represent grassroots opinion
What are the arguments that pressure groups enhance democracy?
- provide additional participation apart from elections
- represent minority interests
- increases political education and awareness
What are the arguments that pressure groups undermine democracy?
- wealthier groups have excessive influence
- direct action can bypass the democratic processes
- lack of transparency and accountability
What is an example of a successful insider group campaign?
- British Medical Association
- successfully lobbies for the introduction of a sugar tax to tackle obesity
What is an example of outsider group success?
- Extinction rebellion
- raised public and political awareness of climate change through protests
What is the political agenda and how do groups influence it?
- the set of issues government chooses to prioritise
- pressure groups influence it by raising public awareness, lobbying and using media campaigns
