Pressure Groups Flashcards
Define ‘Sectional group’
A pressure group that exists to advance or protect the (usually material) interests of its members
- Represent the economic interests of a group in society
Example of sectional group
British Medical Association
The Law Society
The National Union of Teachers
Define ‘Causal group’
A pressure group that exists to advance particular values, ideal and principle.
Example of causal group
Friends of the Earth Amnesty Internation Shelter The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds the Electoral Reform Society
Define ‘Peak group’
A group that coordinates the activities of different pressure groups in the same area of interest; peak groups often work closely with government.
Example of peak group
Confederation of British Industry
The Trades Union Congress
List three reason why the difference between sectional and causal groups are blurred
1) Some pressure groups have both sectional and causal characteristics
2) A single pressure group may include members with both sectional and causal motivations
3) Some pressure groups try to mask their sectional motivations by adopting the language and arguments of a causal group.
What is a ‘Think Tank’?
A pressure group specifically formed to develop policy proposals and campaign for their acceptance amongst opinion formers and policy-makers
What is a ‘social movement’?
A large group of people who are distinguished by common aspirations and a high level of political commitment, but often lacking clear organisation.
What are the functions of pressure groups?
1) Representation
2) Political participation
3) Education
4) Policy formulation
5) Policy implementation
How do pressure groups exert influence?
1) Ministers and civil servants
2) Parliament
3) Political parties
4) Public opinion
5) Direct action
6) The courts
Name the factors that affect the power of a pressure group
1) Wealth
2) Size
3) Organization and leadership
4) The government’s views
5) Popular support
6) The effectiveness of opposition
The rise of pressure group power
1) The growth of causal group
2) More access points
3) use of new media and e-campaigning
4) Advance of globalization
The decline of pressure groups
1) The end of corporatism
2) A decline in meaningful and active participation
What is Cyberactivism
Political action based on the use of ‘new’ technology - the internet, mobile phones, e-petitions, electronic voting.
What is pluralist democracy?
A form of democracy that operates through the capacity of organized groups and interests to articulate popular demands and ensure government responsiveness.
What is pluralism?
A theory of the distribution of political power that holds that power is widely and evenly dispersed in society, rather than concentrated in the hands of an elite or ruling class.
List 4 ways that pressure group promote democracy
1) Supplement electoral democracy
2) Widen political participation
3) Promote education
4) Ensure competition and debate
What is chequebook group?
A pressure group in which activism is restricted to full-time professionals, with the mass membership serving primarily as a source of financial support (through subscriptions and donations)
What is an insider group?
A pressure group that enjoys regular, privileged and usually institutionalized access to government.
What is Quango?
Quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation
A public body staffed by appointee rater than politicians or civil servants
Example for prisoner quangos?
National Consumer Council
The Commission for Equality and Human Rights
