Think Tanks, Lobbyists And Corporations

Question 1

What is a Think Tank?

Answer 1

• Research institute that researches political stuff and in UK are mostly right wing e.g Adam Smith Institute
• Small number are centre left e.g Fabian Society

Question 2

What are 3 strengths of Think Tanks?

Answer 2

• Can bring fresh and new ideas to the political arena
• Operate outside of party competition
• Source of well-researched policy advice

Question 3

What are / weaknesses of Think Tanks?

Answer 3

• Expensive
• Financed by powerful and wealthy and advocate ideas these people favour
• Out of touch and advocate unpopular idea
• Some ideas derive more from desire to be noticed rather than being thought through carefully
• Mostly right wing

Question 4

What are Lobbyists?

Answer 4

• Lawfully attempting to influence the actions, policies or decision of politicians
• Professional lobbyists influence government officials on behalf of groups e.g corporations, pressure groups
• They are private organisations employing experienced politicians
• A lobbyist is paid by client to influence Parliament to act in their clients interest

Question 5

What is the 1 strength of Lobbyists?

Answer 5

• High level of expertise and good connections so can help those lacking these advantages

Question 6

What are the / weaknesses of lobbyists?

Answer 6

• Expensive and inaccessible to general voters
• Used by wealthy corporations
• Undemocratic
• Morally corrupt

Question 7

What are Corporations?

Answer 7

• Business organisation that is larger than a company
• Largest corporations are extremely powerful and we largely
• Wish to shape the economy to meet their needs
• Influence through lobbying and meeting ministers
• Companies may band together nationally to promote interests e.g Confederation of British Industry

Question 8

What is one strength of Corporations?

Answer 8

• Employ people and provide customer with good services
• To maximise this they require access to government so policies are conducive to this process

Question 9

What are / weaknesses of corporations?

Answer 9

• Extremely wealthy outcompete trade unions, charities etc
• Former politicians can walk into lucrative jobs and as they are aware of this may favour corporations when in power
• Politician listen to corporation more than voters undemocratic