Pressure Groups Flashcards
How do Pressure Groups enhance Pluralism
Enhance democracy by dispersing power & influencing ideas of the ruling elite to further the interests of minorities.
Insider Pressure Groups
Work within parliament
Outsider Pressure Groups
Work outside parliament gaining influence instead through publicity
Other influences on Parliament?
Think Tanks, Corporations, Lobbyists & The Media
Promotional Pressure Groups & e.g.
Group who’s objectives don’t benefit them e.g. Amnesty International, Greenpeace
Interest Pressure Groups
Group who aim to protect/promote personal interests & goals.
How do Think Tanks influence Parliament?
Public Policy Research Organisation that influence & develop policy - privately funded
How do Lobbyists influence Parliament?
Corporations employ Lobbying firms who employ people as access points to target ministers & civil servants
3 Similarities with Political Parties
aim to make changes
have a large number of supporters
take donations
How do Corporations influence Parliament?
help develop legislation to their advantage
Specialist Insider-Groups
consults parliament when specialism is required
Reasons for Pressure Group Failure
Goals; contradict government policy/public opinion/alienates public
Differences with Political Parties
Pressure Groups;
don’t aim to gain power
don’t run for election
not accountable
Whats an ‘access point’
an opportunity for pressure groups to influence government through an individual
Example of a Corporation & its affect on Parliament?
Ford - pressure government by threatening to relocate manufacturing plants in order to pass legislation that better works for the.m.
