Pressure Groups, Think Tanks and Lobbyists Flashcards
What is a pressure group? - Political Influences
A pressure group is a group which aims to influence government and legislators without seeking power. They often represent a group/membership with common opinions.
What are the 6 functions of a pressure group? - Political Influences
Representation, protection, promotion, informing, accountability, participation
In terms of pressure group functions, define a) representation b) protection c) promotion - Political Influences
a) The aggregation of views and ideas of a membership or group to present to decision makers.
b) Acting on the interests of society’s vulnerable to achieve change.
c) Identifying gaps in representation and government policy to promote issues.
In terms of pressure group functions, define a) informing b) accountability c) participation - Political Influences
a) Educating the public about an issue to gain support and increase the likelihood of change.
b) Holding government to account for actions on behalf of membership
c) Allow the public to access alternative forms of participation outside of voting or party membership.
What is a promotional pressure group? Give examples - Political Influences
Pressure groups which promote their views on an idea/policy in order to influence government to adopt that choice of action. Often campaign on a wide range of views.
PETA, RSPCA, CND, Greenpeace.
What is a sectional pressure group? Give an example - Political Influences
Pressure groups which campaign on the views of a membership or represent a group within society (often vulnerable) in order for a government to change policy.
BMA, CBI, Marcus Rashford Free School Meals.
What is a hybrid group? Give an example - Political Influences
A hybrid group is a sectional group that believes by the demands of its membership being met, the whole of wider society will benefit as a result.
The British Medical Association campaigns for better working conditions and pay for doctors. As a result of this, hospitals will provide better healthcare.
What is an insider group? Give an example - Political Influences
A group with close contacts (access points) with decision makers and governments that can be utilised to advance their aims and exert influence.
The NSPCC is an example.
What is an outsider group? Give an example - Political Influences
A group which lacks high profile contacts (access points) with decision makers in order to influence decision making. Often more radical in terms of their activism as a result.
Extinction Rebellion is an example.
Describe the process of pressure groups using access points and lobbying. What type of group would do this? - Political Influences
Groups use special access points with decision makers to promote their cause, often manipulated by lobbying companies who can employ professionals with contacts within governments. This can set up meetings or provide benefits to a decision maker in return for time with a pressure group.
Usually done by an insider group.
Describe the process of pressure groups being consulted. What type of group would do this? - Political Influences
Pressure groups are often asked to commission reports and use their expertise on committees and in drawing up legislation, within which stages they can further their cause in an open way with legislators.
Usually done by an insider group.
Describe the process of pressure groups publicly campaigning. What type of group would do this? When is this PARTICULAR method so effective? - Political Influences
Outsider groups amass public support at protests or demonstrations/through major support on petitions in order to pressure a government to act in their interests. Usually works best prior to an election, when a government is most likely to listen to the interests of the public.
Describe the process of pressure groups supporting political parties. What type of group would do this? - Political Influences
Pressure groups often donate to parties with similar ideologies in return for the interests of that group being represented by that party. Usually used by insider groups in order to receive favourable treatment from certain parties.
Describe the process of pressure groups launching media campaigns. What type of group would do this? - Political Influences
Outsider groups aim to receive media coverage of their campaigns in local or national media with the aim to educate and inform wider society about their cause, as well as pressure powerful groups into supporting their cause.
Describe the process of pressure groups using civil disobedience. What type of group would do this? - Political Influences
Major protests which are often violent or disruptive aim to achieve maximum publicity for their cause in order to demonstrate its severe importance. Disruption to pressure decision makers into adhering to their ideas. Used by OUTSIDER groups to attract attention.
