Pressure Groups

Question 1

Think Tank

Answer 1

A pressure group specifically formed to influence policy making decisions and opinion makers.

Question 2

What is a pressure group? (5 marks)

Answer 2

An organised cohort of individuals that aim to influence the policies or actions of government.

• Narrow issue focus (Plane Stupid- Stop Stansted Expansion)
• Political consensus not obligatory

Question 3

Differences between pressure groups and political parties (5)

Answer 3

PG:-seek to exert influence-narrow issue focus- shared interests (Fathers4Justice)
PP:-seek to win power, elections- broad issue focus- shared political preferences

Question 4

Examples of civil disobedience

Answer 4

Fathers4Justice 2014- campaigner jailed for defacing a portrait of the Queen
Green Peace 2014- 6 activists arrested for climbing to the top of the shard to send a message opposing Shell’s plans for oil driving in the Arctic

Question 5

Define sectional/ interest group (5)

Answer 5

• aim to protect or advance interests of its members
• membership is limited to people in a particular occupation, career or economic position
• members are motivated by material self-interest
• Example: NUT

Question 6

Promotional/ cause groups (5)

Answer 6

-seek to advance particular ideals or principles
- membership is open to all
-members are motivated by moral or altruistic concerns
Example: RSPB, Amnesty international

Question 7

Insider pressure groups

Answer 7

-consulted on a regular basis by the government

Example: Hacked off; associate director Dr Evan Harris is former liberal democrat MP

Question 8

Outsider groups

Answer 8

-does not consult with government or only infrequently or not at a senior level
Example war coalition- ideological outsider

Question 9

Celebrity involvement example

Answer 9

Howard League for Penal Reform June 2014 used authors such as Jacqueline Wilson and carol Anne Duffy to urge Cameron to overturn restrictions on sending books to prisoners

Question 10

Petitions

Answer 10

• 2015 Green Party televised debate

- 2015 Green Peace Santander agrees to end loans to forest destroyer

Question 11

Striking

Answer 11

NUT- pensions 2014

Backed a ballot on industrial action should the next government fail it increase funding for schools

Question 12

Legal action

Answer 12

Hacked off- Leveson inquiry 2014

Howard league for Penal reform- high court deemed lack of books in prisons “unlawful” 2014

Question 13

Reasons for introducing the the transparency of lobbying, non-party campaigning and trade union administration bill 2014 and its consequences

Answer 13

• following expenses scandal- Cameron thought it would lead to another upheaval in parliament
• unite the union influenced Labour Party selection process in Falkirk