Pressure Groups, Chapter 7 Flashcards
How did Alexis de Tocqueville claim America claim America had a healthy democracy after visiting the US in the 1830’s?
He was impressed by the way “Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions constantly form associations”
What creates a civil society?
The associative tendency (the tendency of people to group together)
What does the civil society involve?
Those above the personal realm of the family but beneath the state
What are a few examples of civil society?
Charities, NGO’s concerned with trade and development and trade unions
What are areas of social life organised by?
By voluntary arrangements between individuals and groups, outside and beyond control of the state
What are a few examples of areas of social life?
The domestic world and cultural activities
How has the growth in the extent and scope of governmental activity in the second half of the 20th century pushed pressure groups to grow in the modern age?
Government have become increasingly involved in issues like health, education and housing. A range of groups have emerged to articulate the views of the poor, the homeless etc as many people want to see improved facilities and benefits in these areas
How was the growing complexity and specialism of modern life caused pressure groups to grown in number in the modern age?
People belong to many sub groups, not least those based on their occupation eg those in the medical field may belong to a union of health sector workers
How has there being a surge of interest in single- issue campaigning caused pressure groups to grow in the modern age?
There has been single issue campaigning on issues from gay rights to the export of live animals, gun control etc since the 1980’s
How has the development since the middle of the 20th century of a multi- ethnic and multicultural society caused pressure groups to grow in numbers?
This has encouraged the formation of a variety of groups that represent minority groups and to combat racism eg the Muslim Council of Britain and the Anti-Nazi League
How has the emergence of new issues and the onset of post- materialism caused pressure groups to grow in numbers?
In recent decades new ideas such as ecology, feminism and gender equality have come onto the political agenda alongside many young voters sharing post-materialist attitudes
How has improvements in communication facilitated the trend towards association and organisation for pressure groups to grow in modern times?
It has further stimulated group development- as with the use of e-mails and other innovations by those protecting against globalisation
How are pressure groups similar to political parties ?
They both have a role in workings of government, with parties forming or opposing an administration, and groups by providing information and assisting in governmental enquiries
How may there be a close relationship between pressure groups and particular political parties?
15 trade unions are affiliated to the Labour Party and form part of the wider Labour movement.
How are there groups within the parties that seek to influence parry thinking?
The Tory reform club and Bruges group in the Conservative group and the Tribune group in the Labour Party
What might the Tory reform club be referred to as?
They are thought as pressure groups within a party
How do some think tanks act alongside political parties?
Members share the broad outlook of the party but act independently and seek to have an impact on public policy.
What are the two examples of think tanks that work with the political parties?
The institute for public policy research works on the moderate left and the centre for policy studies on the right
What is an example of a pressure group that that actually put candidates up in an election?
The pro- life alliance did in 1997 and 2001
How do political parties differ from pressure groups?
Pressure groups don’t seek to win elections but just wish to influence those in office. If they contest in elections it’s to gain publicity on an issue
What is a social movement?
A large body of people who are interested in a common theme that is of continuing significance
What is the women’s movement?
Made up of various individuals and groups which are concerned to advance the position of women in society
What are the sub focuses of the women’s movement?
Provision of child care, equal pay, protection of part time employers and abortion rights
What is the history of social movements in the 19th century?
They were concerned with issues such as harsh working conditions to improve workers rights and urged governments to introduce changes
When have new social movements emerged from?
The 1960’s
How are new social movements different than in the past?
In that they deal with a new range of issues and are much less willing to be absorbed into the established political system
What are members of the new social movements like ?
Provide radical critiques of society and institutions and are interested in finding different ways of organising political activity
How are pressure groups different to social movements in how they want change?
Unlike social movements that want fundamental change to the status quo, pressure groups may want to see a substantial change in in public policy but are more likely to support the existing political and social framework in society
How are new social movements less structured and cohesive than pressure groups?
They have a core group that provides general direction and a loosely organised network of widespread supporters
What do new social movements activities arise from?
Grass roots level to national crusades
What are Stewart’s two classifications or pressure groups in 1958?
Protective groups and promotional groups
What are protective groups?
Self interested bodies that seek selective benefits and offer services to their members
How are many protective groups represented?
In peak or Umbrella organisations - bring together within one organisation a whole range of other bodies and speak on their behalf
What’s an example of an umbrella protective group ?
British retail Consortium which represents the interests of 11,000 stores
How are trade unions the vat known protective group?
They exist to represent the interests of organised working people by improving their wages and working conditions- they have a closed membership
How is the national farmers union one of the most effective protective groups?
Represents British farmers and it’s views are listened to in Whitehall
What are promotional groups?
They are selfless groups that are open to all sections of the community and have more general benefits not necessarily to the members
What is the life span like of promotional groups and why?
They have a short life span, disappearing once their cause has been appropriately tackled
What is an example of a promotional group?
Snowdrop with dunblaine shooting 1996
How are promotional groups defined by the cause or idea they represent?
RSPCA is concerned with welfare of animal and FoE urges greater environmental awareness
How are protective groups more successful than promotional ones?
They are traditionally stronger, better organised and resourced with promotional groups operating with limited funds with few full time staff
How are there some hybrid groups?
RADAR defends the interests of its members who are disabled, but works for the general betterment of all disabled people
What’s a protective group that directly pursues causes?
The BMA engages in campaigning on general health issues such as diet and smoking, although it exists to defend professionals in the field
What are grants classification of pressure groups from the 1980’s?
Insider and outsider groups
What does grant say about his typology or pressure groups?
“One needs to look not just at the behaviour of the groups but also but also at the behaviour of government”
What status do protective and promotional groups tend to have?
Protective groups tend to have insider status and promotional groups outsider ones
What are exceptions of promotional groups that have insider status?
The Howard League for Penal Reform and the RSPB
How is the distinction not clear cut between insider and outsider status with FoE?
They have shifted towards more dialogue with government and business, whilst maintaining direct action activities that attract money and popular support
What type of action is compatible with insider status?
Peaceful public demonstrations and letter writing campaigns , violent action isn’t
How do more groups have insider status than grant originally suggested?
Many groups are consulted by government but their influence may be marginal.
How is the distinction less valid today because new forms of politics have arisen in the 1990’s?
There’s more middle class involvement in issues such as animal welfare with more arenas than before (EU)
How does it depend on government in power if a group is an insider group?
Thatcher and Blair didn’t like pressure groups “serpents that strangle efficient government”
What are the three main access points for pressure groups influence?
The executive, the legislature and public opinion with the media
What normally targets the executive branch?
Protective/ interest groups
How do lobbyists have contact with the executive?
Have contact with senior officials in the various departments
What sort of issues do higher civil servants make decisions on?
Technical and less important decisions
On major issues where do pressure groups offer advice to?
The Secretary of State, political head of government department eg Priti Patel and Gavin Williamson
What is the mutual relationship between the executive and the pressure groups?
Executive can get technical information and advice and the groups learn the departments current thinking and get bills drawn up
One a group has been asked for its views what tends to happen in the future?
They are the forerunner of similar contacts in the future
How is there contact between group spokespersons and government?
They serve on government-established committees, benefit from circulation of government documents and informal consultation
How are the NFU likely to operate with the executive?
It values its consultative status in Whitehall and likes to operate behind closed doors. Only when a row breaks out do they turn to public methods
What are examples of pressure groups that are insider?
CBI & BRC
Why do pressure groups lobby the legislature( MP’s and peers)?
It can influence public policy
What did Michael rush’s study in 1990 reveal?
75% of groups claimed to be in regular contact with MP’s and more than half with the Lords
Why has there been more of a trend to lobbying the legislature since the 1980’s?
Growth of the select committee system as another target of influence alongside Thatcher, Major and some extent of Blair government having some reservations about pressure groups influence
What is it good for pressure groups to work on if the government has a large majority?
Sometimes it’s more productive for them to work on back-benchers in hope of persuading them to oppose what ministers are trying to get through the house
What can elected representatives be willing to put forward?
A private members bill
How do pressure groups target private members bills ?
Mps who draw a high position in the annual ballot early in each session of parliament find themselves contacted by campaigners who want to persuade them to open a measure relating to their cause
What act was introduced as a private members bill?
Abortion act 1967 David steel
What does the aims for freedom and enterprise, an established organisations that crusaders against nationalism employ?
Background campaigns to create a favourable impression for a cause over a period of time
What is a dramatic fire brigade campaign?
Quickly rally support and get MP’s and government ministers to take notice
What is a famous campaign that used the blitz approach?
Snowdrop campaign 1996-97 which disbanded once the issue was resolved
What has television provided for pressure groups?
Opportunities for publicity
What are examples of pressure groups that have provided direct action in publicity?
Greenham Common anti-cruise missile protest of the early 1980’s attracted some attention and campaigns against the M3 extension at Twyford Down
What are more recent campaigns that have been publicised?
Fathers4Justice and Plans Stupid
What pressure groups have made success through the access point of courts?
Equal Opportunities Commission and Greenpeace have won considerable victories