Pressure Groups Flashcards
What is a pressure group
Group with a single interest of goal. They can have a moral cause or try and benefit their members.
They perform three main functions: participation, representation and education
Why do people join pressure groups
Representation- people with minority interests might not be represented by a political party
Personal beliefs
Material benefits, like joining the national trust, this increases membership but members are not as passionate
Need - people join as they feel they have to either for job protection or because it is the only way to achieve a goal
What is a sectional pressure group
They take care of their section of society. Members have a similar occupation. The group acts in the best interest of their members
What is a causal pressure group
These groups campaign for a particular issue that does not directly affect its members and often for a moral cause
These groups are easy to join and open to everyone
Sometimes they campaign for someone or something that cannot campaign for themselves
Their aim is to improve society
Insider pressure groups
They have a special relationship with the government and are given access to government officials and decision makers
Insider groups rarely have permanent insider status. Key groups have recently been unable to influence policy affecting them
For example the BMA were not involved in the recent NHS changes and the Howard League were not involved with the removal of books from prisoners
Pressure group methods
Traditional methods include petitions, public demonstrations and lobbying. The anti abortion organisation life has 2 million names which led to the 1990 human fertilisation and embryology act. But the 1 million who took to the street in 2003 to stop the Iraq war failed
Some groups have the ability to influence the formation of policy, through consultation with ministers and some have permanent offices at west minister
Some groups use direct action. People belief that this gains more media attention and awareness. Green peace have used such methods like civil disobedience
Successes of pressure groups
Having insider status helps. The Howard league ended the ban on prisoners receiving books from family and friends
Wealthier groups like the British bankers association paid lobbyists to influence the 2012 finance bill
The RMT used strikes to gain a 2012 Olympic bonus
Expertise, the AA used facts to increase the fine on using phones whilst driving
The 2009 Gurkha campaign was successful due to their celebrity endorsement of Joanna Lumley
Failures in pressure groups
Fail if they contradict the government, the BMA failed as the conservatives were determined to introduce policies of a seven day NHS
Fail when the government can resist pressure, Blair resisted pressure with Iraq as he had a strong support in the commons
Countervailing forces, pro smoking group Forest failed to stop smoking restrictions due to campaigns from ASH
If the group alienated the public, groups like PETA struggled to achieve their goals as the public opposed their methods
What is pluralism
This is a system of government where competition is equal among groups and power is spread evenly instead of in the hands of the elite
The UK is pluralist
The Uk does have numerous and varied pressure groups which estimates being in the thousands
The government accepts the existence of pressure groups and some are involved in influencing policy
Pressure groups educate the public and health issues have only been promoted by pressure groups
Opposing pressure groups compete openly. Pro smoking group Forest conflicted with ASH
Pressure groups use digital democracy to enhance pluralism (38 degrees website promotes pressure groups)
The UK is not pluralist
Financial power and large memberships give some groups more influence like trade unions with the Labour Party
The division of insider and outsider groups means not all groups are equal
Many groups do not exercise responsive leadership, including green peace
Hostile public opinion can restrict pressure groups influence. Pressure group republic operates in an environment where 80% support the monarchy
Pressure group activity is elitist
The UK parliamentary system is strong enough to ignore the demands of pressure groups when it wants to
Pressure groups reinforce inequalities
The competition between groups is often uneven
Groups representing business have an advantage, they often have more resources and wealth and the government often gets re-elected on the basis of the economy
Groups benefit from skilled membership and a strong financial base
Pressure groups representing the middle class are more successful which reinforces social inequalities
Pressure groups strangle efficient government
Insider groups have become established in the policy making process
This is likely to reduce the likelihood of problems but some groups are excluded undermining pluralism
Acts as an internal check on the governments ability to pursue its legislative agenda
Governments use pressure groups to balance the books, but they are only concerned with single issues
Pressure groups can be internally undemocratic
Many pressure groups are not internally democratic, giving little power to most members
Growth of cheque book membership means the quality of participation is lowered
Some groups are internally democratic and engage in debates with members like the RSPCA but other groups are more centralised like green peace
Green peace structure
Green peace is hierarchical organisation that allows little democratic control over the organisation both at national and international level
