Typologies Of US Pressure Groups

Question 1

How do PGs differ from PPs?

Answer 1

-PGs aim influence politicians rather than winning elected office themselves
-don’t put up candidates in elections but can choose to campaign for candidate who supports their agenda

Question 2

What are the different typologies of PGs?

Answer 2

-insider
-outside
-promotional
-interest

Question 3

What are insider groups?

Answer 3

-close ties to + ideological alignment with gov or one of major parties
-may be well funded + spend heavily on lobbying + election campaigns

Question 4

What is an example of a US insider PG?

Answer 4

-AMA
-NRA
-US chamber of commerce

Question 5

What are outsider groups?

Answer 5

-no close links to gov + anti-establishment
-attempt influence by generating public pressure through marches or direct action protests

Question 6

What is an example of an outsider PG?

Answer 6

-Climate Direct Action ran ‘valve turner’ protests 2016 - members turned off valve on 15% US crude oil imports for a day
-several convicted on felony charges - classifies as ‘extremist’

Question 7

What are promotional groups?

Answer 7

-promote issues or cause they believe will benefit society
-members driven by altruism not self-interest

Question 8

What is an example of a promotional group?

Answer 8

-environment group Green Peace USA
-gun control groups Everytown for Gun Safety
-civil liberties groups American Civil Liberties Union

Question 9

What are interest groups?

Answer 9

-defend + advance specific interests of their members like TUs
-selfish in their aims + often closed membership

Question 10

What is an example of an interest group?

Answer 10

-unions - AFL-CIO improving rights, pay + working conditions of members
-professional organisations - American Bar Association
-religious groups - the Christian Coalition of America

Question 11

What are social movements?

Answer 11

-less formalised than PGs but important role in politics
-campaign for political + econ change

Question 12

What are examples of social movements?

Answer 12

-women’s movement
-lab movement
-civil rights movement
-environment movement
-anti-nuclear movement

Question 13

how have social movements been proliferated in the 21st Century?

Answer 13

-due to rise in social media
-movements generated from simple twitter hashtags or activists using social media organise or recruit supporters

Question 14

What has social media allowed for social movements?

Answer 14

-allowed ‘start-up’ social movements to mobilise large number people + dominate political agenda
-e.g. BLM or #metoo