Pressure Groups

Question 1

pressure group

Answer 1

political associations that are dedicated to defending and promoting the interests of a section of the community or that wish to pursue a particular cause in order to influence government at any level

Question 2

sectional pg

Answer 2

represent a section of society

eg National Union of Students

Question 3

promotional pg

Answer 3

pursues a cause or issue, they believe their cause will benefit the community eg friends of the earth

Question 4

insider group

Answer 4

have influence inside governing circles and have direct access to decision makers eg National Farmers Union eg 2011 Scottish secretary and Defra secretary met with the new president of the NFU to discuss future relations between the two institutions

Question 5

outsider group

Answer 5

influence decision making outside governing circles as may wish to maintain their independence or operate by mobilising public opinion eg greenpeace

Question 6

functional representation

Answer 6

the idea that various groups represent sections of society that have particular functions

Question 7

characteristics of insider groups

Answer 7

• regularly consulted by ministers,civil servants and policy advisors
• often consulted by parliamentary committees
• sometimes have reps sitting on policy and advisory committees
• regional groups have access to devolved administrations
• local pressure groups have access to local authorities

Question 8

characteristics of outsider groups

Answer 8

• seek to mobilise public support
• use direct action
• seek to use media campaigns
• use of internet and social networks to build support
• use petitions

Question 9

differences between PGs and Parties

Answer 9

• parties seek to gain govt power, PGs don’t seek power
• parties develop policies on full range of govt business, PGs have narrow goals
• parties make themselves accountable, PGs don’t
• parties are normally formally organised, PGs often arent

Question 10

distinction between PGs and parties can also be unclear

Answer 10

• PGs can put up candidates for election in order to publicise their goal
• some PGs develop wide range of policies eg trade unions
• sometimes PGs turn into parties egGreen Party
• some PGs have close links with parties eg Countryside alliance has close links with cons

Question 11

elitism

Answer 11

a society or political system where power resides in the hands of a small number of people often known as elites

Question 12

PGs enhance pluralism because

Answer 12

• the disperse power and influence widely
• ensure that many groups are able to exert political influence
• protect the interests of groups in society
• balance the power of centralised government

Question 13

PGs enhance elitism because

Answer 13

• some powerful,wealthy, influential PGs may concentrate power in too few hands
• influential insider PGs may serve to concentrate more power in govt hands
• some may be led by unaccountable elites
• some may hold a disproportionate amount of power

Question 14

why are PGs becoming more important

Answer 14

• decline of membership and identification with parties
• electorate is better informed and therefore more able to get involved
• internet and new social media
• no. of and membership increased
• society is more pluralistic and fragmented into groups
• system is more accessible by groups
• growing affluence therefore more interests and demands

Question 15

what are the method used

Answer 15

• lobbying ministers
• sitting on advisory and policy committees in govt
• lobbying European union institutions
• lobbying local counsellors and officers
• organising mass public demonstrations
• civil disobedience
• internet campaigns
• action through law courts

Question 16

lobbying ministers

Answer 16

insiders feel then can influence decisions and policy

Question 17

sitting on advisory and policy committees in govt

Answer 17

they can supply specials information and advice

Question 18

lobbying European union institutions

Answer 18

most of their concerns are under the jurisdiction of the EU

Question 19

organising mass public disobedience

Answer 19

they have widespread support but are outsiders

Question 20

media campaigns

Answer 20

celebs are involved and the issue captures the public imagination

Question 21

civil disobedience

Answer 21

outsiders need to attract publicity

Question 22

internet campaigns

Answer 22

probably issues that appeal mostly to the young

Question 23

action through law court

Answer 23

the rights of members are threatened

Question 24

why are some groups more successful than others

Answer 24

• resources
• insider circles
• tactics
• sharing the same agenda as the government
• lack of opposition
• favourable circumstances
• celeb involvement
• strategic position

Question 25

ways pressure groups enhance democracy

Answer 25

* represent groups and causes that have been ignored by govt * help disperse power more widely * educate and inform * act as control mechanism against over mighty govt * provide a means of participation * provide outlet for public greivances

Question 26

ways that pressure groups don't support democracy

Answer 26

* undermine authority of elected officials and parliament * may be seen as representing politics of 'self interest' therefore info given may be biased * if too powerful may cause 'hyper pluralism' which can hold up govt processes by being too obstructive * lack elective legitimacy as not democratically accountable * some wealthy or influential pressure groups may have more influence than can be justified * leadership of some elitist groups may not reflect accurately the views of their membership