Pressure Groups’ Methods: How They Vary Flashcards
Pressure groups and other influences -> Democracy and Participation -> UK Politics
What factors influence the methods used by pressure groups?
The resources available (financial, membership size, expertise) and insider vs. outsider status shape the methods. Well-funded groups (e.g., BMA) may pursue legal challenges, while smaller groups rely on grassroots campaigns and social media.
How do financial resources affect pressure group methods?
Well-funded groups like the BMA can fund legal challenges and research, while smaller groups with limited resources depend on grassroots campaigns and social media.
What distinguishes insider groups from outsider groups in terms of government access?
Insider groups have close relationships with the government, engaging in private negotiations. Outsider groups lack this access and use public campaigns and direct action to apply pressure.
Provide an example of an insider group and their methods.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) contributes expertise on agricultural policy, engaging in private negotiations and reviewing draft legislation.
Provide an example of an outsider group and their methods.
Black Lives Matter UK uses public demonstrations, such as the 2016 London City Airport protest, to apply pressure.
What are key methods used by insider groups?
- Lobbying and Consultation: Briefing MPs and officials (e.g., Liberty lobbying against counterterrorism policies).
- Draft Legislation Input: Influencing policy drafts.
- Committee Evidence Submission: Providing expertise to parliamentary committees.
What are key methods used by outsider groups?
- Public Campaigns: Petitions, email campaigns, and demonstrations (e.g., environmental group protests).
- Publicity Stunts: Creative, high-profile actions (e.g., Extinction Rebellion’s civil disobedience).
- Direct Action: Protests, sit-ins, and disruptive actions (e.g., 2010 student protests).
How do pressure groups use legal challenges to achieve goals?
Groups contest policies in court, such as the Countryside Alliance challenging the fox hunting ban in 2004.
What is an example of hybrid methods in pressure group activity?
The BMA, an insider group, supported junior doctors’ strikes in 2016, blending insider and outsider tactics.
Define key terms: Insider Groups, Outsider Groups, and Direct Action.
- Insider Groups: Groups with direct access to policymakers.
- Outsider Groups: Groups excluded from government influence, relying on public campaigns.
- Direct Action: Immediate public disruption to highlight issues
Define key terms: Lobbying and Judicial Review.
- Lobbying: Influencing policymakers by presenting information or arguments.
- Judicial Review: Legal challenges by pressure groups to contest laws or decisions.
What is pluralism, and how does it relate to pressure groups?
Pluralism suggests pressure groups enhance democracy by allowing diverse interests to influence government, e.g., the NFU improves policy through expertise.
What is elitism, and how does it relate to pressure groups?
Elitism argues that only well-resourced groups achieve success, such as wealthy groups funding legal cases and campaigns.
How do outsider groups reflect direct democracy in action?
Outsider groups use direct action to engage public support, exemplified by Extinction Rebellion’s grassroots protests.
What are the pros and cons of insider vs. outsider methods?
- Insider methods: Sustained influence but less visible.
- Outsider methods: Public awareness but risk alienating policymakers.
