Pressure groups and other influences Flashcards
What are the 2 reasons the govt consult certain pressure groups?
-For their policy expertise
-to assess reaction of affected groups to potential policies
What do lobbyists do?
They try to influence the govt by applying pressure
What is a pressure groups goal?
To have their issue represented in a party’s manifesto and in their policy
In what 2 form can influence be exerted?
-Funding for a party
-voting at a press conference
Why do pressure groups use legal forms of protest?
To gain publicity and win over public opinion
What is direct action?
Political protests that involve civil disobedience, illegal and violent
How do illegal protests help pressure groups raise their profile?
Through media coverage
What can media coverage do to pressure groups?
Media coverage can change how a pressure group is seen
How can a larger pressure group membership help the pressure group?
Each member pays fees and the larger the membership, the more fees are paid which helps pressure groups become more organised.
What do pressure groups do?
They enable debate on important issues
What do insider groups do?
They scrutinize govt policies and legislation
Who do pressure groups speak for and defend?
Minorities
What is ‘tyranny of the majority’
When a majority impose their interests and policies at the cost of the minority
What are the 4 different types of pressure groups?
-insider
-outsider
-sectional
-promotional
Give 2 features of insider groups:
-regular contact with decision makers
-they are careful to keep the govt on their side
give 2 features of outside rgroups
-aren’t consulted by the govt
-aim to gain public support
give 2 features of sectional groups
-represent a specific section of society
-they dont campaign for wider issues
-only worry about protecting and advancing the interests of their members
give 2 features of promotional/cause groups
-promote ideas that will benefit the general public
-aim to create a large membership base
What do ‘think tanks’ try and do?
try to influence public policy and policy debate through direct access to decision makers
Who proposed that Brexit happens and remove tariffs?
The Legatum Institute
In what 3 ways can influence be achieved?
-Political donations
-Gifts
-Meals
