Pressure Groups (Part 1 of 2) Flashcards
What is a pressure group?
Pressure groups are political associations that are
- dedicated to defending and promoting the interests of a section of the community; OR
- wish to pursue a particular cause in order to influence government at any level
Give 4 characteristics of a pressure group?
(i) They are an association of people who share political goals
(ii) They seek to defend or promote the interests of a particular section of society or promote a cause or issue
(iii) They do not seek government power but want to just influence the political system
(iv) They seek to get as much support as possible to further their goals
How are pressure groups normally classified?
They are classified in two different ways according to whether they are:
(a) sectional or promotional groups
(b) insider or outsider groups
Explain sectional/promotional groups
SECTIONAL / PROMOTIONAL groups are a way of classifying pressure groups into either sectional groups that represent a section of society, or promotional groups that pursue a cause or an issue.
Explain INSIDER/OUTSIDER groups
INSIDER/OUTSIDER GROUPS are a way of classifying groups into those that have influence inside governing circles and those that have to influence decision-makers from outside governing circles
What are sectional pressure groups?
They are pressure groups that represent a section of society. They are only interested in the interests of that group and have narrow goals.
What are promotional groups?
These are concerned with a cause or an issue. They are open to all members of the community and believe that their cause or issue will benefit the community.
What are insider groups
Insider pressure groups are those that have special connections with government and parliament. They have direct access to decision makers and are involved in the development of policy. They have the following characteristics:
(i) Regularly consulted by ministers, civil servants and policy makers
(ii) often consulted by parliamentary committees
(iii) often have representatives sitting on policy and advisory committees
(iv) those concerned with Europe have direct access to the European Commission and European Parliament
(v) Local pressure groups have access to devolved administrations
Give some examples of a Promotional Pressure Group
Liberty, Friends of the Earth, Action on Smoking and Health
Give some examples of Insider Pressure Groups
National Union of Farmers, RSPCA, AA, RAC, NSPCC
Give some examples of Sectional Pressure Groups
National Union of Students, Royal College of Nursing, Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
What are Outsider Pressure Groups and name 5 characteristics
Outsider pressure groups do not have direct access to government or Parliament or decision-makers in general.They have the following characteristics
(i) They seek to get public support
(ii) Often use direct action such as street demonstrations, publicity stunts or acts of civil disobedience
(iii) They seek to use media campaigns
(iv) They increasingly use the internet and social networks to build up support
(v) They use petitions (often online)
Give some examples of outsider pressure groups
Greenpeace, Animal Liberation Front, Exit (voluntary euthanasia)
Please provide 4 ways that pressure groups differ from political parties
(i) Parties actively seek to gain governmental POWER or SHARE of POWER - pressure groups do not seek power
(ii) Parties must develop POLICIES across the full range of government business - pressure groups have narrow goals/interests
(iii) Parties have to make themselves ACCOUNTABLE for their policies - pressure groups do not
(iv) Parties normally have a FORMAL organisation - pressure groups may be formally organised but are much looser organisations
Please provide 4 ways that pressure groups and political parties are similar
(i) ELECTION - sometimes pressure groups put up candidates for elections in order to publicise their goals or issues (and if they win to influence)
(ii) POLICIES - some pressure groups like CBI have a wide range of policies like parties or trade unions
(iii) TRANSFORM - some pressure groups transform into political parties such as UKIP and Green Party (both started out as pressure groups)
(iv) ASSOCIATION - some pressure groups have close links with political parties like Trade Unions and Labour and Countryside Alliance and the Conservatives
What is pluralism?
Pluralism is a description of society or a political system where it can mean:
(i) any situation where a variety of ideas and groups can flourish together
(ii) power within a political system is widely dispersed and not concentrated in a few hands
(iii) in society as a whole it means where a variety of beliefs, cultures, lifestyles and ethnic groups exist together and are tolerated
(iv) in democracy it is where the rights of different groups have influence and receive equal treatment.
What is elitism?
Elitism is in may ways the opposite of pluralism and it can mean:
(i) a concentration of political, social or economic power
(ii) in a political system where a few people hold most of the power
(iii) most groups in society are denied power
How do pressure groups enhance pluralism?
(i) they spread power and influence very widely (especially in mass membership groups)
(ii) Many groups are able to exert political influence
(iii) Help to protect the interests of groups in society
(iv They balance the power of centralised government
How are pressure groups associated with elitism
(i) Some powerful wealthy pressure groups may concentrate power in a few people
(ii) influential insider pressure groups may serve to concentrate power in government
(iii) Some pressure groups may be lead by unaccountable elities
(iv) some groups may hold disproportionate power
Give 5 reasons why pressure groups are becoming more important
- The INTERNETand social media have made it easier to launch.
- The NUMBER and SIZE of pressure groups has increased with some groups have membership and supporters in the millions
- membership and interest in political PARTIES has DECLINED and many people have looked at pressure groups to represent their interests
- ELECTORATE are better INFORMED and more likely to become involved in political issues
- Society has become MORE PLURALISTIC and fragmented into groups
- Growing AFFLUENCE means that the population have more interests and thus make more demands on political systems
What are the main methds used by pressure groups?
- LOBBYING - ministers, EU institutions, local councillors
- INTERNET campaigns
- DEMONSTRATIONS - mass demonstrations
- SITTING on advisory and policy committees
- ACTION - through law courts
- CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
Why do pressure groups lobbying ministers - provide an example of a pressure group that does this
They feel that they can influence decisions and policy.
Example of a pressure group who does this is Confederation of British Industry
Why do some pressure groups sit on advisory and policy committees - provide an example of a pressure group that does this
They can supply specialist information and influence
Example of a pressure group who does this is the British Medical Association
When do pressure groups lobbying EU institutions - provide an example of a pressure group that does this
When the issues are under the jurisdiction of the EU
Example of this is the National Farmers Union