Pressure Groups

Question 1

Political Networks

Answer 1

Different kinds of relationship that can apply between governments, pressure groups and a range of other players involved in policy making in particular sectors.

Community: small stable and consensual groupings of government officials and group leaders involved in decision making in particular policy areas.

Issue Networks: large flexible and open networks of particular individuals in any policy area.

Question 2

Insider groups

Answer 2

Wyn Grant (1980s)

Regularly consulted by governments, good access to the corridors of power.

Insider status has declined (200 bodies consulting on motor cycles) hardly privileged

Some prefer EU. Issues regarding agriculture and animal welfare, access to corridors of power at Whitehall is less desirable, than access to policy makers in the EU.

Question 3

Internal pressure group democracy

Answer 3

Oligarchy : small group of people having control of a organisations

Leaders may achieve domination as a result of long involvement in a group. As many members don’t have the time or inclination to get involved.

Trade unions have been forced to democratically elect an general secretary.

Question 4

Sectional groups

Answer 4

Seek to cater for the needs and defend the rights of people / categorises in that society. Specific to members.

E.g. Trade unions defend the rights / conditions of workers.

Stewart (1958) made the distinction

Question 5

success of a pressures group (5)

Answer 5

1. Funding and donations: ‘‘he who pays the piper calls the tune’’ for example labours affiliation with trade unions. Not only do they fund the heavily but also control a third of the party’s votes at party conferences.
2. Wealth: gives pressure groups a huge amount of economical and financial power. For example big businesses who employ workers and invest into the economy. The government must listen to them.
3. Group aims: interest of society or group. E.g. Trade unions & Greenpeace.
4. Insider/Outsider status: F4J - don’t want to been seen associating with such groups. Insider - possess expertise (BMA haven’t had much influence lately) but government is likely to take their views into consideration.
5. Political Climate and Public Opinion: Stop the war coalition / snowdrop
6. Methods: F4J - weird. Stop the war - peaceful protests.

Question 6

Why PG are bad for democracy

Answer 6

1. Promotes tyranny of the minority. Sectional interests - governments have to govern in the ‘national interest’. Consider the needs of the community not the voice of powerful large interest.
2. Better resourced and organised sections of the the community are at an advantage. For example CPAG were less acknowledged in contrast to TU and producer groups who have easier access to Whitehall.
3. Exercise non legitimate power. Groups are often of Oligarchic tendency - leadership is unrepresentative.
4. Exerts behind the scenes influence. Finer ‘light more light’ secrecy in lobbying and between interest groups. MPs are beholden to outside groups and business commitments. E.g Warsi and Abid H.

Question 7

PG are good for democracy

Answer 7

1. Act as a defence for minority interests. Especially gender and ethic minorities who are at a disadvantage.
2. Supplement electoral democracy
3. Increase political participation
4. Create a better informed electorate
5. Distribute power more widely

Question 8

How do pressure groups campaign?

Answer 8

Media attention 
MPs
Petition
Lobbying
Protest

Question 9

Supranational

Answer 9

Lobby at such a level to have influence that transcends national boundaries / government

Question 10

Think tank

Answer 10

Specifically formed to develop policy proposals and campaign for their acceptance amongst policy makers and opinion formers

Question 11

3 defining differences between pressure groups and parties

Answer 11

1. Seek to exert influence from the outside rather than win power
2. Narrow issue focus
3. Members united by a shared belief.

Question 12

Peak group

Answer 12

Coordinates the activities of different pressure groups in the same area of interest. Trade union congress

Question 13

Low profile insider groups

Answer 13

The Howard league for penal reform. Concentrate on developing contracts with governments and rarely seek wider public support.

Question 14

Functions of pressure groups

Answer 14

Representation 
Political participation
Education
Policy formation 
Policy Implementation

Question 15

Greenpeace

Answer 15

Election? No chosen by a board of directors.