AS Politics Unit One, SDC > Pressure Groups > Flashcards
Pressure Groups Flashcards
Pressure groups
An association that may be formal or informal whose purpose is to further the interests of a specific section of society or to promote a particular cause.
RSPCA
Pressure group with over a million members.
BMA
British Medical Association (BMA) Union that represents doctors.
Insider group
Type of pressure group that is accepted by the governments and works closely with them, often writing policy.
Outsider group
Type of pressure group that is not accepted by government and does not sit around the government table.
Open membership
When a pressure group is open to every one to join, not just a specific section of society.
Sectional group
When a pressure group is only open to a specific section of society, often related to one’s employment.
Promotional/cause group
A pressure group with an open membership, often focusing on a single issue.
National Farmers Union
A very powerful pressure group that represents over 90% of farmers in the UK.
Functional representation
The representation of groups based on their function within the economy or society, eg industries, professions.
Chequebook membership
Type of pressure group when people are more concerned with the benefits they gain rather than putting pressure on anyone, eg National Trust.
NIMBY
Not in my backyard - seen as a middle class response to things they don’t want in their area.
Sanctions
Ability to withold an economic service or resource, usually as means of putting pressure on government, eg strike action.
Elitism
Recognises that not all interest groups are equal in status; some are more powerful, better organisation and finance to support them.
Pluralism
They argue that good democracy means power should be spread out and shared and decisions made through negotiation between different groups in society.
Animal Liberation Front
A pressure group that uses direct action to break into laboratories and rescue animals.
CBI
The Confederation of British Industry, a powerful business pressure group that is an insider group.
Tax credits
Essentially a means of re-distributing income by paying money to a) families raising children and b) working people on low incomes.
HLS
Huntingdon Life Science, a multinational animal testing company that was almost bankrupted by the ALF.
76.9%
Voter turnout for Labour party leadership contest in which Jeremy Corbyn won.
Statutory instruments
The way the tax credits were pushed through the Commons, preventing discussion and only allowing a yes or no response from MPs.
Parliament Act 1949
This prevents the House of Lords from blocking any money bills, and was raised as a reason the Lords should not have blocked the tax credits.
Heidi Allen
This MP used her maiden speech in Parliament to criticise the government’s tax credits scheme.
Stop the War Coalition
A pressure group who have organised a demonstration against air strikes in Syria.
Rupert Murdoch
Owner of News International which includes The Times and The Sun newspapers. Many argue he has too much editorial control and too much control over politics. For example, it is alleged Britain did not have a referendum on joining the Euro because Murdoch was against it.
ACAS
This is an organisation that deals with mediation between groups and the government if they cannot resolve their differences. Jeremy Hunt and the BMA used ACAS to attempt to resolve their differences and prevent the doctors striking.
What is pluralist democracy?
- It is a form of democracy which sees participation essentially via organised groups speaking up for a collective interest.
Pressure groups are seen to reflect this form of democracy and act as the agents for change in society.
There will be competition by numerous groups seeking to advance their particular cause or interest.
Pluralist democracy requires the widespread dispersal of power and also the availability of numerous avenues for groups to access the political system with no one group having a monopoly of power.
The government under a system of pluralist democracy is seen as a neutral force and acts to arbitrate and decide between competing factions.
Pluralist democracy may be contrasted with elitism.
Using examples, explain three reasons why pressure groups may fail to achieve their objectives.
A pressure group may fail to achieve their objectives if the level of support is far stronger and better articulated by a countervailing pressure group(s). Examples include the failure of the Countryside Alliance to prevent the hunting ban from the support received by other groups such as The League against Cruel Sports plus the tide of public opinion against hunting, ASH (anti-smoking) had a greater claim in advancing the Smoking ban in Public places than did Forest (pro-smoking) in preventing the legislation.
A pressure group may fail to achieve their objectives if the Government can withstand their cause and demands. The Stop the War movement aimed at preventing the Iraq war failed in the face of a determined government headed by Tony Blair who felt war was necessary even if unpopular. The Coalition government has ignored the cries not to increase tuition fees from £3k to £9k from Student pressure groups such as the NUS
A pressure group may fail to achieve their objectives if their methods alienate and cause widespread public disapproval. The activities of some animal rights groups and climate change protesters do more to destroy their support and their cause. SHAC and Greenpeace have at time employed direct action which has been illegal and proved to be unpopular and counter-productive.
How can you argue that pressure groups harm democracy?
There is evidence that pressure groups undermine democracy this covers various criticisms and perspectives some of which include:
Pressure groups challenge and subvert parliament and the established democratic political process. They ignore the normal means of democratic participation via MPs and other fairly elected posts. They undermine the system of participation in a representative democracy.
Many pressure groups themselves are organised in an un-democratic manner without a formal constitution or decision making process.
They serve to concentrate power and create elitism whereby only certain wealthy or high profiled groups are successful thus restricting participation as many other pressure groups do not have a fair means of access and influence
A number of pressure groups revert to and encourage illegal activity. This may include violent protest and clear law breaking.
How can you argue that pressure groups are good for democracy?
They provide an entry point for numerous groups to engage in the democratic process and naturally and beneficially supplement the democratic process
With a lengthy period in between elections (5 years) they are an additional means of holding governments to account in the interim
Pressure groups serve governments and the democratic process in being able to represent and consult governments often advising them on policy options for legislative changes
They serve to educate and inform the wider general public on political matters so that they become more informed and alert surrounding political events.
Using examples, identify two functions of pressure groups.
They safeguard and protect the interest of their members. For example trade unions defend worker rights
Pressure groups inform and educate the public on important areas of life. For example Amnesty International informs the public of human rights abuses around the world
Pressure groups serve governments in consulting them and providing information to them. All governments have consulted the BMA when proposed changes to the NHS are introduced
Pressure groups function when they serve minorities who may not be accurately or adequately represented by the established political parties. For example the Howard league acts on behalf of securing fairness in the justice system for prisoners.
Why do you think some pressure groups use illegal methods?
They may have exhausted the legal routes open to them, and it is the failure of these legal channels which turn them to this path Groups who protested against the imposition of the poll tax in the 1980s turned to illegal acts once the government had decided it would not listen to them
They may wish to use the illegality as a means of free and widespread publicity. Fathers4Justice can be said to fall into this category
Certain outsider groups may feel that their cause is not countenanced by the current political establishment, that to make their mark illegal activity is the only avenue open to them. Certain animal welfare groups often take illegal action to ensure their aim – such as freeing animals in captivity destined to be used for medical experiments
Illegal action is seen by some pressure groups as a means of ramping up the pressure and securing a more rapid outcome to their aim. Fishermen in Scotland have blockaded harbours in protest at restrictions on catches and fishing policy.
What evidence is there to argue pressure groups have become more powerful in recent years?
The growth of pressure groups has been relentless and with increased points of access (wheres to get your message across) their influence and reach has grown and increased. For example internet/social media allows pressure groups to form easily and get their message across to a large and instant audience
The argument of size and number, more people are now connected to politics through a pressure group than any other means of political exchange. People believe that change is more likely to be achieved through pressure group activity than through the parliamentary process
Success happens, the coalition abandoned plans to sell off the Forestry Commission, it backed down over the reduction of custodial sentences. Governments listen now more than ever to active pressure groups who command a wide and active audience.
Outline two differences between promotional and sectional pressure groups.
A sectional group is in the main open only to certain groups of people whereas a promotional group has a wider membership remit with fewer restrictions on entry.
A sectional group exists to protect the interests of its members, whereas promotional groups exist to benefit other groups of people/causes.
Sectional groups are more likely to deal with economic issues whereas promotional groups tend to focus on broader issues which may be moral/ethical in character.
Sectional groups are more likely to be permanent and/or insider than promotional groups
What methods do pressure groups use?
Many pressure groups use celebrity endorsement to promote their cause. This raises the profile of the pressure group and engages people who may not have been politically active. The success of the campaign for the Ghurkhas was attributed to the recruitment and support of Joanna Lumley who attracted favourable media attention.
The widespread use of media techniques to alert the general public of the validity and worth of the pressure group cause. This ranges from the use of the internet to traditional advertisement in the press. The RSPCA has long been successful in recruiting members and donations with the use of press advertisement.
Insider groups who have a good and positive working relationship with ministers and high ranking civil servants can make direct contact and prevent or promote a particular cause of action or inaction. The BMA and NFU are groups which are both said to enjoy this privilege access to successfully advance their cause. Groups can also use lobbyists to influence ministers as the Save England’s Forests Campaign did.
Pressure groups can also commission surveys and publish these to articulate a certain point of view. If these are independent and verifiable they can raise the profile of the group to achieve their aims.
Pressure groups can access the courts, including the use of judicial review to challenge government actions. Stop HS2 succeeded in forcing the government to repeat their consultation process using this method.
Pressure groups can use a range of methods that could be considered direct action including strikes, press stunts or illegal actions, for example Greenpeace’s ramming of whaling boats.
How do you think pressure groups may help distribute power throughout society?
Those who favour the notion that pressure groups distribute power cite the following, amongst other points:
Pressure groups aid pluralist democracy which rests upon the spread of power brought about by numerous pressure groups of opposing views or interests battling for ascendency.
A wide diversity in competitive pressure groups will see power being distributed, especially where pressure groups have equal access and thus equal power potential. This can be seen in competitive groups who have political power and influence such as the pro and anti abortion groups and trade unions and employer organizations.
The increasing use of e-democracy and social media has enabled pressure groups to spread awareness and power to a wider audience.
Pressure groups provide a voice to minority groups who otherwise lack representation and power.
How do you think pressure groups may concentrate power rather than distributing it?
Those who favour the notion that pressure groups concentrate power cite the following, amongst other points:
Pressure groups possess unequal power and an elite model of power distribution is more accurate a reflection of their status.
The variations in pressure groups are based on many factors including wealth and media support. The NSPCC can also be seen as a pressure group with no limiting opposition.
The government encourages elitism by determining which groups are insiders, and at least in part, which groups succeed in their aims.
Some cite wealthy pressure groups such as the British Banking Association who have little formal opposition; others cite privileged insider groups such as the NFU who have an unfair amount of power.
How can you link the word ‘elitism’ to pressure groups?
Elitism refers to the distribution of power in society and pressure groups exercise power in the political framework.
Elitism suggests that some pressure groups may be more important or influential than others as power is unevenly distributed.
It could be that the group has greater connection than others or that it has greater wealth which may afford certain pressure groups more power.
It posits the notion that some groups will be excluded from the policy process as a consequence of their lack of power.
Overall elitism assumes that there is a ‘power struggle’ in political activity with winners and losers
Elitism contradicts pluralist theory as regards pressure groups with more even distribution of power.
How do pressure groups influence others?
Pressure groups exert influence in several ways:
The can openly protest by going on marches and demonstrations to raise the profile of the group and the issue they are concerned about
They can make targeted protests to individuals or groups, by writing letters and signing petitions
Pressure groups such as Trade Unions can withdraw their labour and go on strike
Some ‘insider’ pressure groups can articulate and voice their concerns to those in power
Direct actions is a means of influence for some pressure groups who are not afraid to break the law
Pressure groups may also use the courts to seek redress
To what extent is pressure group power in decline?
Those who argue that pressure group power is in decline cite amongst other reasons the following:
The decline of dominance of corporatism – in that major decisions were reached amongst the consensus arrived at between the government, the TUC and the CBI. Since 1979 and the dominance of free market ideas pressure groups have seen their power decline. In essence governments have become stronger and pressure groups weaker.
This point is re-enforced with the economic downturn since 2008 where many pressure groups have not been able to counter-act the cuts which have been made to government spending
Rising numbers does not equate to rising power. Although some pressure groups have increased in size –this is characterised by the term ‘chequebook membership’ where members simply pay subscriptions but are not active or engaged in the political process.
However, on the other hand those who argue against the decline in pressure group power cite the following:
Pressure group membership now dwarves political party membership. Witnessing the eclipsing of political parties as an agent of change
This has resulted in a huge growth in cause/promotional groups and the accompanied rise in political activism to secure certain objectives
An increase in the number and scope of access points has seen pressure groups more enabled to achieve their outcomes – this includes wider political activity with new regional governance and the wider use of the Courts in judicial review.
