Pressure & Political Parties

Question 1

What are pressure groups?

Answer 1

organised bodies that seek to influence government and the development of public policy by defending their common interests or promoting a cause

Question 2

What is the similarity between pressure groups and political parties ? (2)

Answer 2

• They both are vehicles which opinions can be expressed and serve as an outlet for participation
• both have a role in the workings of the government

Question 3

How many trade unions are affiliated to the Labour Party ?

Answer 3

-15

Question 4

Give 3 examples of parties within the Conservative and Labour party which seek to influence party thinking

Answer 4

Conservative
Tory Reform Club
Bruges Group

Labour
-Tribune Group

Question 5

Which pressure group set up candidates in an election in 1997 and 2001?

Answer 5

Pro-Life Alliance

Question 6

How do pressure groups differ from political parties?

Answer 6

They do not seek to win elections to gain political office, only influence those in office

Question 7

Why do some pressure groups contest in elections?

Answer 7

to draw attention to some matter of national concern or to gain publicity

Question 8

What is a movement ?

Answer 8

a movement is a large body of people who are interested in a common theme that is of continuing significance

Question 9

Give an example of a movement (5)

Answer 9

• The Women’s Movements
• Environment
• globalisation
• international peace
• animal rights

Question 10

What were social movements in the 19th century concerned about?

Answer 10

harsh working conditions

Question 11

How are new social movements different to those of the past ?

Answer 11

NSM deal with a range of issues and are much less willing to be absorbed into the established political system

Question 12

What change do the people organising a NSM want?

Answer 12

A fundamental change to the status quo and the dominant values in society

Question 13

How do Social Movements differ to that of pressure groups?

Answer 13

members of pressure group may want substantive change but are more likely to support the existing political and social framework in society

Question 14

What is the structure comparison of NSM’s and pressure groups?

Answer 14

NSM’s are less structured and cohesive than pressure groups

Question 15

What is the structure of New Social Movements like?

4

Answer 15

• tend to have a core group that provides general direction
• loosely organised network of widespread supporters
• activities arise from grass-roots level
• evolve into national crusades

Question 16

What are New Social Movements?

Answer 16

emerged in the 1960’s aim to influence policy on nuclear energy , peace and women’s rights to bring fundamental change to society

Question 17

What do many pressure groups that promote a cause refer to themselves as due to the term ‘pressure’ being troublesome?

Answer 17

Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s)

Question 18

What are examples of pressure groups who refer to themselves as NGO’s?

Answer 18

• Red Cross

- Medecins Sans Frontieres