Pressure Groups (Gabe) Flashcards
What is a pressure group?
A membership based association whose aim is to influence policy without seeking power
List as many functions of pressure groups as you can!
-represent areas of the community who feel inadequately represented by political parties in parliament
-protect minority group interests
-promote the causes that political parties fail to pick up
-inform and educate the public
-hold the government to account for its performance in particular policy areas
What is a causal pressure group?
Their goal is to promote a particular cause, set of beliefs or values. Seek to promote favourable legislation, prevent unfavourable legislation, or simply bring an issue into the political agenda. The cause could be broad or narrow. Tend to concentrate on mobilising public opinion to put pressure on government. Seek widespread support.
What is a sectional pressure group?
Has an identifiable membership or supporting group. Represent a specific section of society and are mainly concerned with their own interests. Self interested in that they pursue the goals of those they represent. Seek direct links to decision makers. Tend to use the more ‘responsible’ parliamentary route to influence. Usually have a formal membership.
List as many reasons pressure groups enhance democracy as you can!
-help disperse power and influence more widely
-educate the public on important political issues
-give people opportunities to politically participate without committing too much time or effort
-promote and protect the interests and rights of minorities
-help hold the government to account by publishing the effects of policy.
List as many reasons pressure groups threaten democracy as you can!
-elitist pressure groups means power can become concentrated in the hands of the few
-influential pressure groups may distort information in their own interests
-internally undemocratic pressure groups may not accurately represent the views of their members
-wealthy groups may wield a disproportionate amount of influence
-the use of civil disobedience can undermine the rights and freedoms of other citizens
