Pressure Groups Flashcards
What are pressure groups?
Bodies that seek to influence government policy or public opinion but without actually seeking governmental office itself.
What is a sectional pressure group?
A pressure group that represents a specific section of society, e.g the National Union of Teachers.
What is an insider and an outsider group?
Insider- A group that has communications with the government. e.g.
Outsider- A group that remains on the outside of the government. e.g.
Why do some groups remain on the outside?
To retain moral integrity.
What are the functions of pressure groups?
Key part in governing progress representative function educate and inform opportunity for political participation Scrutinise policy and legislation 'Tension release'
Why are pressure groups sometimes more attractive than political parties?
Don’t feel the need to subscribe to certain beliefs. Able to focus on specific issues e.g. Greenpeace focuses on the environment.
What is a cause group?
A group that campaigns for a particular cause or objective.
Define the features of a social movement?
Looser in organisational structure
members of organised pressure groups
parties and pressure groups together
e.g. the ‘green movement’ in the UK
what are the three types of insiders?
Core
Peripheral
What are the three types of outsiders?
Potential Insiders
Outsiders by necessity
ideological outsiders
What makes something a Dual-Function group?
sectional/cause not clear
some groups campaign for own interest and a cause
unions serve their members interests but support development in their field e.g. NUT
What are some methods used by pressure groups?
Direct Action-
Illegal Acts
Lobbying
Protest
Boycott
Strikes (official and unofficial)
Marches, Rallies and Protests
Civil Disobedience
Illegal Obstruction
Indirect Action-
Petitions / e-petitions
Leaflets / adverts
Media and publicity stunts
Providing research
Social networking sites / blogs
