Pressure groups Flashcards

Question

Examples of executive influence?

Answer 1

* Contact with the executive can be arranged via formal and informal links, e.g. government-established committees, the circulation of government documents. * For example, the NFU and the Department of Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are in frequent contact. * Big business is very important to government because they play a pivotal role in the economy. * In the 1960s/70s the era of tripartism/ corporatism was very fashionable – representatives of government would work with business organisations and trade unions in the management of the economy. Such corporatism has gone out of fashion in the last two decades. * The Treasury does not consult in the run-up to the Budget because of need for secrecy on sensitive information. It does however receive submissions from interested parties on what they would like to see in the annual statement. Duncan Watts: ‘Consultation is not the same as influence.’ * If their standing with the public diminishes, then their views may seem less important. * In the mid 1980s the Lord’s Day Observance Society still help a hold over government particularly in discussion of the issue of the Sunday trading laws. By the mid 1990s the influence was dwindling as church attendances continued to decrease and society became more liberal. * Whereas the Thatcher gov was unable to pass its Shops Bill in 1986, the Major administration was able to pass a bill allowing retailers to open for 6 hrs on a Saturday.

Answer 2

* In Britain, there is a strong system of party discipline, so that MPs are likely to be less responsive to group persuasion. * Powerful protective groups prefer contact with the executive. * Once elected, MPs can expect to receive contacts and be invited to attend social gatherings. * In one study of 253 organised interests, 75% of them claimed to be in regular or frequent contact with one or more MP and more than half maintained contact with the H of L.

Answer 3

* Some pressure groups such as Greenpeace are highly centralised. * In many cases pressure group officers are appointed rather than elected by the group’s members. This means that those leading pressure groups are often not directly accountable to members. * Many group decisions are not taken by members, but rather by a central unelected board or committee. * Neil McNaughton suggests that groups such as the BMA and the AA are particularly poor at consulting their members over questions of policy and direction. Many groups are therefore elitist rather than pluralist. * Some sectional groups, for example trade unions, have been forced to become more internally democratic as a result of legislation passed in the 1980s (e.g. requirement to hold ballots before national strike action). The current Conservative government are attempting to change legislation to make it even harder for trade uions to organise strikes without majority agreement. * Many cause groups start as a small group of committed individuals and control often remains with these individuals even as the membership expands.

Answer 4

1) Contact with parliamentarians has become easier due to better technology (emails etc). 2) The growth and development of the select committee system since the 1980s has created new targets for influence. The increasing importance attached to pre-legislative scrutiny by the House serves to make the input of groups even more worthwhile. It is especially beneficial for pressure groups to make links with committee staff who could possibly be with the committee for a long time. Select committees often investigate issues, and this can be a useful forum for pressure groups as they can be required to give evidence at a hearing, therefore publicising their cause. The problem with select committees however is that the Government does not have to listen to them and their primary function is more to scrutinise the government than to suggest legislation. 3) The attitudes of governments have changed. The Thatcher and Major administrations were less receptive to groups and encouraged lobbyists to turn to MPs

Answer 5

• Initiate legislation on behalf of the group: That is introducing a Private Member’s Bill. However, the House of Commons spends less than 5% of its time considering such legislation, and the time itself is usually concentrated in the least attractive part of the parliamentary week (Friday’s). PMB’s do have significance for pressure groups however. They offer the opportunity to promote change and publicise a cause. In the 1960s PMB’s brought about changes to legislation concerning capital punishment for example. But still, opportunities here are limited.

Answer 6

70% of group representatives interviewed claimed to have had contact with the Hof L, 59% regular or frequent contact.

Answer 7

peers are more independent and more free from the party whips (party appointed MPs who try to ensure members of their party vote in accordance with leadership wishes).

Answer 8

The Countryside Alliance made great use of peers in its campaign against the abolition of fox hunting

Answer 9

Proliferation of local action, NIMBY-type groups (not-in-my-back-yard) has made grass-roots decision-makers an obvious target for group activists. Camdem 2014 residents were successful in campaigns to stop HS2 in their area

Answer 10

Most well known cases were decided in European Union’s Court of Justice. Issues such as equal pay and abolition of corporal punishment in schools. Method has become increasingly popular in recent years – even if a legal challenge fails it can be useful as a means of politicising an issue and generating publicity. Greenpeace has been particularly active in the courts, e.g. brought its own case to try and slow down oil exploration west of Shetland.

Answer 11

Most groups adopt a neutral attitude towards the political parties. The tendency is to rely less on party connections and more on consultation with government, whichever party is in office. There are exceptions e.g. Labour with the unions – but very very rarely can a group count on the support of the party with whose outlook it is broadly aligned.

Answer 12

Under the terms of the European Communities Act (1972) European law takes precedence over British law where the two are in conflict.

Answer 13

Prior to the passage in 1986 of the Single European Act (SEA) most European lobbying was conducted through national governments.

Answer 14

The Maastricht treaty of 1991 expanded further the competences and responsibilities of European institutions into areas such as public health and consumer protection

Answer 15

, between 1970 and 1990 the number of groups who lobbied the EU increased five-fold.

Answer 16

* There is an increasing recognition that EU institutions have developed increasing influence over domestic policies – ‘Europeanisation’. * Some Europe institutions are more open and accessible to pressure groups and are more receptive to their views. * Certain pressure groups which were marginalised by the conservative government in the 1980s and early 1990s realised that the EU offers the possibility of overriding some of the policies of the British Government. * European Institutions now have more influence over domestic policy decisions than was previously the case.

Answer 17

1. Lobbying the UK’s central government (national strategy): Pressure groups seek to persuade a minister of their cause in the hope that this will influence the minister’s negotiations with the Council of Ministers (the EU’s ultimate decision-making body). This strategy is most readily available to those groups who already enjoy insider status in the UK. For example the NFU regularly lobbies the British Government to put pressure on the Council of Ministers over such matters as the Common Agricultural Policy. 2. Setting up offices in Brussels: Having an office in Brussels enables groups to maintain regular contact with the European Commission. Maintaining a permanent office in Brussels is only normally available to well organised pressure groups with sufficient resources. 3. Joining a euro-group: Trans national Euro-groups are made up of similar pressure groups from other member states. The number of such groups has grown significantly, from about 430 in 1980 to over 700 in 2003. The best organised euro-groups are those concerned with representing the interests of big business, in particular the Union of Industries in the European Community (UNICE). A problem is often that euro-groups lack resources such as staffing. 4. The European Court of Justice (ECJ): This court is the body responsible for ensuring that EU laws and decisions are implemented.

Answer 18

1. Discover where the power lies and target it: Although the Council of Ministers is the ultimate decision making body, much of the power lies with the Commission, the body that draws up policy proposals and is responsible for policy implementation. 2. Be willing to compromise: Since there are so many different interests at stake it is rare for any single party to achieve its goals completely. 3. Intervene as early as possible: The further along the road a policy has travelled the less chance groups have to change it. Approximately 80% of initial proposals remain in the final policy. 4. Be professional: The EU values well-presented, highly specialised information.

Answer 19

 EU responsibility and competence has grown.  In areas such as the environment interest groups have had much more influence through the EU than national governments.  Power at the EU is much less concentrated, so there are more access points. It has been referred to as having a ‘multi-level architecture’, meaning there are lots of opportunities to influence legislative outcome.  The EU makes a virtue of its openness and transparency.

Answer 20

× A group would need a degree of coordination, access and funds. × They would need to be able to use a wide range of methods. × Decision-making is unpredictable. × They would need to maintain an effective presence in Brussels.

Answer 21

Devolved Government was introduced by the Labour Party in 1999. However, prior to this there were already Scottish groups with their own organisation, finance and membership, for example the Scotch Whisky association. Devolution has on the whole created a growth in the number of groups who lobby at this level. However, it must be remembered that devolved governments do not have decision-making powers over all policy areas. For example, the Scotch Whisky Association, whilst a solely-based Scottish group, still needs to focus on lobbying Westminster as its policy concerns of alcohol duty for example, come under the remit and responsibility of Westminster.

Answer 22

1) Background campaigns: intended to create a favourable impression for a cause over time. E.g. Aims for Freedom and Enterprise ( a long-time crusading organisation against nationalisation and in favour of privatisation,) keeps up a steady flow of information and becomes more prominent at election time. 2) Fire brigade campaigns: aim to quickly rally support and get MPs and ministers to take notice. E.g. Snowdrop campaigns 1996 – 7. (The Snowdrop Campaign was founded after the Dunblane Massacre in March 1996 to call for a total ban on the private ownership and use of handguns in the United Kingdom. Founded by friends of the bereaved families and so called because March is snowdrop time in Scotland, it gained over 705,000 signatures to a petition within 6 weeks).

Answer 23

Whereas the public level seemed to be the least influential a few years ago, in the last couple of decades it has become more common. The development of modern mailshots, advertising and marketing techniques has made them more appealing. TV also offers opportunity for publicity. Environmental groups have consciously sought to mobilise support through the use of television images and discussions. Fathers4Justics have also gained publicity from using TV.

Answer 24

In the early studies of pressure group activity, the view was often expressed that ‘least noise equals most success’. The groups that were really influential were the large protective groups that operated behind the scenes. Groups like the NFU only decided to go public if they were becoming frustrated with their conversations inside government. For any significant group, it was not really worth operating at the public level if access to departmental officials was available.

Answer 25

Since the 1980s this has no longer been the case. Much more attention has been paid by pressure group activists to mobilising public support. The NFU also belongs to the more activist Farmers for Action, so that they can get the advantages of applying insider and outsider pressure.

Answer 26

Campaigns are often expensive, time-consuming to organise and unpredictable in their outcome. However, the development of modern mailshots, advertising and marketing techniques has made them more appealing. Environmental groups and world poverty groups have grown rapidly since the 1990s, and their leaders have consciously sought to mobilise support through the use of the media

Answer 27

Over recent decades, the media have become an increasingly acknowledged part of group activity in all democracies. Even insider groups have begun to make more use of the media. Well-resourced bodies such as the BMA may be able to fund posters and press advertising. For a lot of groups however this would be an enormous drain on finances. They have to think of cheaper ways in which to utilise the press.

Answer 28

1) The Save the Valley Campaign: In the 1980s the media were used by campaigners seeking to save the Valley as the football ground of Charlton Athletic FC. Many supporters disliked the idea of having to share a football ground with Crystal Palace due to Charlton no longer owning their own ground. In 1987 the directors decided to return to their home ground and repurchased the Valley with a view to rebuilding their ground there. Canvassers used door-stepping and leaflets to publicise the cause. They needed to persuade the Labour controlled council to back their return, and decided to get the media on board. The local paper was fully behind the venture and an extensive poster campaign was undertaken. They set up their own political party (The Valley Party) to campaign at the local elections, and this was able to attract national coverage.

Answer 29

2) Brent Spar: In 1995 Shell gained permission from the government to dump the 14,500 ton Brent Spar oil platform in the North Atlantic. Greenpeace opposed the decision and at the time was also looking for a symbol that could be used to focus attention on the planned European environmental summit. Greenpeace activists boarded the Spar and specialised climbers made it secure. They flew in a satellite uplink, turning the Spar into a floating television station that could broadcast live to European news programmes. Greenpeace also flew in reporters to film Shell’s attempts to remove activists from the platform, organised parallel boycotts and protests at Shell petrol stations in Germany and Holland, and issued press releases providing data on the residues inside the Spar. This approach effectively won the propaganda war, and Shell shelved its plans to dump the platform.

Answer 30

``` Different forms of direct action include: • Demonstrations • Sit-ins • Strikes • Interrupting televised events • Non payment of taxes • Invasion of buildings ```

Answer 31

Doing for yourself what the government has refused to do.” For example, homeless people might find a home by living in unoccupied property. More recently, the term has been used to allude to any attempt to coerce those in authority into changing their viewpoints. Even more recently it has been described as “action taken outside the constitutional and legal framework.” It does not have to be violent, and if violence is used it may be against property rather than against a person.

Answer 32

1. The growing recognition that protest is an effective means of getting concerns placed on the national agenda. 2. In the Conservative years (1979 – 1997) there were often limited opportunities for consultation. Previously powerful groups like trade unions were finding themselves distanced. 3. Developing disillusion on the part of many campaigners with the performance of the Labour government. People have been unhappy that Labour has failed to carry out many of its policies and have not met expectations. 4. The ease of organising protest via the world wide web, email and mobile phones. 5. Journalists realise the benefits of getting a story which ‘touches the heart’. 6. There has been a general decline of deference towards the political elite.

Answer 33

Huntingdon Life Sciences is a company based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. One example that prompted this legislation was the case of Gladys Hammond, the mother-in-law of a guinea pig breeder on a farm in Staffordshire, whose grave was desecrated and her body removed allegedly by animal rights activists complaining about the work of the farm.

Answer 34

The effectiveness of pressure group activity is hard to gauge. This is because: • Highly successful and privileged insider groups are unlikely to publicise the extent of their influence, for fear of alienating the government and losing their status. • High-profile protests and stunts might appear impressive, but succeed only rarely in changing policy. (Even during the fuel protests in 2000, the government chose to speak to the Road Hauliers’ Association, rather than those organising the protest.)

Answer 35

After coming under intense pressure from groups such as GM Free Cymru and the Farmers’ Union of Wales, Welsh Environment Minister Carwyn Jones defied the UK government by announcing that Welsh farmers would be encouraged to declare themselves GM-free.

Answer 36

Television chef Jamie Oliver used a channel 4 programme and collected 271,677 signatures for a petition delivered to Downing Street. The DfES responded in May 2006 by reducing the amount of junk food in school dinners and investing more money in improving the diet of school children.

Answer 37

Defenders of pressure group activity also state that groups increase access to the political system, ensuring hat previously ignore issues are placed on the political agenda. Although the the campaign achieved very little legislative change, FATHERS4J argued that it's pros,me of high profile stunts ensure media coverage of the issue of family increased by 700% and that govern the and opposition parties had to engage with the issue that had not been on the agend before he groups formation in 2002. This also led to a film being created by Miramax Pictures

Answer 38

Groups implement a 'quality control' mechanism on how policies are implemented by government. After several groups including action aid, Oxfam and Christian Aid, criticised the debt relief package agreed at the G8 summit in 2005, Gordon Brown was forced to admit that not all money pledged was entirely 'new' much of it had already been pledged by individual government

Answer 39

Pressure groups tend to serve the interests of those members in society who are already over-respresented I.e. Middle class adults. With greater emphasis on single issue politics and a decline in collectivity forms of participation, it appears that the professional class are gaining the most from pressure group activity, in terms of skills developed and political benefits accrued.

Answer 40

That the benefits of social capital were less likely to be felt by the lowest social groups

Answer 41

Cheque book groups challenge the democratic credentials of group activity. These groups are run in hierarchal organisations, with professional staff, mee searchers and campaigners. The role of membership is simply to add legitimacy to the groups goals and to bankroll the groups activities through membership fees and donations. In fact some of these groups don't even need membership as they rely on patronage.

Answer 42

'Greenpeace is more like a kind of company trading in the market place, and you don't join Greenpeace, you send it money and then you watch and see what it does and then you withdraw money if it doesn't do what you like.'

Answer 43

Yas, Government allows certain groups to gain direct access to minister and civil servants (I.e. Achieve insider status) Government directly fund a number of groups The labour Government introduced consultation measures to increase access for pressure groups Governments allow groups to be represented on quangos. Jonathan Porritt, former director of Friends of the Earyh and founder of sustainable development group Forum for the Future was appointed head of sustainable development commission by Tony Blair in 2000

Answer 44

Pressure groups suffer if they are seen to be acting in a manner deemed out of step with the established culture of policy making. In October 2006, the Charity Commission (the non-ministerial government department that regulates registered charities) reprimanded Kurt Hoffman (director of the charity Shell foundation) and James Smith (Chairman of Shell UK) for lobbying Hillary Benn the Secretary of State for international development

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Pressure groups Flashcards

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