Think Tanks, Lobbyists and Cooperation Flashcards
1
Q
What is a Think Tank?
A
- A research institute that performs research and advocacy concerning social policy, political strategy, economics, military, technology, and culture. In UK, mostly right-wing e.g. Adam Smith Institute, Centre for Policy Studies, Centre for Social Justice,
A small number are centre left e.g. Demos, Fabian Society - They can be well financed and bring together experts, academics and experienced politicians to address specific policies or policy areas.
2
Q
What are the Strengths of Think Tanks?
A
- Bring fresh new ideas/expertise into the political arena. and operate outside party competition.
- A source of independent/well-researched policy advice.
- Increasingly used by political parties from the 1980s onwards.
- Parties tended to be too conventional – offering safe policies and that new and innovative solutions to old problems were needed
3
Q
What are the weaknesses of Think Tanks?
A
- Expensive to run, financed by the powerful and wealthy, and advocate ideas that these people favour.
- Out of touch, and advocate impractical and unpopular ideas.
- Some ideas derive more from ambition and a desire to be noticed, rather than being thought through carefully.
4
Q
What are Lobbyists?
A
- Lobbying is the act of awfully attempting to influence actions, policies and decisions of politicians/government officials. (Ordinary voters or pressure groups)
- Professional lobbyists influence government on behalf of specific groups e.g. corporations, pressure groups, trade unions, specific groups of voters. Private organisations typically employing well-educated individuals and experienced former politicians. E.g. PLMR, Lexington Communications.
- Lobbyist is paid by clients to try to influence the government and/or MPs and members of the House of Lords to act in their clients’ interests, particularly when legislation is under consideration.
5
Q
What are the Strength of Lobbyists?
A
- Aim to meet with ministers or other high ranking politicians to influence policy/legislation.
- They typically have a high level of expertise and good connections, so can help those lacking these advantages. They can substantially speed up the lobbying process.
6
Q
What are the Weaknesses of Lobbyists?
A
- Expensive and used by wealthy corporations giving them another advantage over less wealthy rivals – trade unions, charities, promotional pressure groups, consumer groups and local voters. Lobbying has gained a negative reputation and many regard it as an undemocratic and morally corrupt process.
7
Q
What are Corporations?
A
- Business organisation acting as a single entity – larger than a company and owned by shareholders. May be group of companies acting collectively. Largest are powerful and wealthy. Typically operate in one sector e.g. mining, food and drink, fashion, retail, energy, transport etc.
- Wish to shape economy to meet needs. Typically through lobbying and meeting ministers. Companies working within the same industry may band together to promote interests of their industry e.g. Food and Drink Federation, Energy UK.
- May band together nationally to promote interests, i.e. through the Confederation of British Industry (mainly large companies), the British Chambers of Commerce. Managing directors formed the Institute of Directors to promote their more specific ideas and interests.
8
Q
What are Strengths of Corporations?
A
- employ many people and provide customers with goods and services
- require access to government so that policies and legislation conducive to this process are implemented and continued.
9
Q
What are the Weaknesses of Corporations?
A
- extremely wealthy and outcompete trade unions, charities, pressure groups and voters for influence. Former politicians can walk into lucrative corporate jobs – when they know this, they seem to favour certain corporations whilst they are in power. Politicians are often considered to listen to corporations far more than they do to voters – this is undemocratic.
