Pressure Groups

Question 1

Pressure groups (5)

Answer 1

• Organised group of people.
• Aims to influence gov.
• External to gov as they try to influence policy process (not dictate it), and don’t seek gov power.
• Narrow issue focus.
• United by common interest/cause - members may prefer different parties.

Question 2

Sectional groups (4)

Answer 2

• Seeks to advance/protect interests of members.
• Usually material interests.
• Self-serving.
• e.g. BMA

Question 3

Promotional groups (2)

Answer 3

• Advance certain values, ideals and principles.

- e.g. Liberty.

Question 4

Insider groups (3)

Answer 4

• Regular, privileged access to gov.
• Usually institutionalised access.
• e.g. NFU.

Question 5

Outsider groups (3)

Answer 5

• Either not consulted by gov.
• Or only consulted sporadically and not at a senior level.
• e.g. CND.

Question 6

Pluralism (6)

Answer 6

• Power should be widely dispersed in society.
• Based on assumptions:
  
  • Citizens represented through membership of organised groups.
  • All groups have some political influence.
  • Many resources and ‘levers’ available to pressure groups.
  • These are widely spread.
  • No group will ever be dominant as others will challenge.

Question 7

Functional representation (2)

Answer 7

• Representation of groups based on function in economy/society.
• e.g. industries, employers.

Question 8

Pluralist democracy (6)

Answer 8

• Operates through organised groups and interests.
• Articulate popular demands.
• Alternative to parliamentary democracy.
• Conditions:
  
  • Wide dispersal of power amongst groups - no elite groups.
  • Groups are internally democratic.
  • Gov is neutral.