U1T1 Pressure Groups And Ither Influences On Govt Flashcards
What is the definition of a pressure group?
A membership based association that wishes to influence the government and policy making without seeking power. They can become a political party like the Labour Party did from being a trade union.
What are the functions of pressure groups?
-To represent and promote minority groups and causes that aren’t represented by parties enough.
-To inform an educate the public about key political issues.
-To call the government to account.
- To give citizens the opportunity to participate in politics
What are the two main types of pressure group?
Causal group- a pressure group seeking to promote a particular cause by promoting favourable legislation or wanting to convert ideas behind their cause into an actual act of parliament.
Sectional group- a pressure group whose ideas are comprised by their members and represent a particular group in society. Most of these groups believe that the interests of their own members will also be to the wider societies benefit e.g. the National Education Union which is comprised of teachers.
Examples of causal and sectional groups:
Causal:
-Taxpayers Alliance
-just stop oil
-
Sectional:
-NUT(national union of teachers)
- British Medical Association -the muslim vote.
- Age UK
What are insider pressure groups?
Insider groups:
- seek to get involved in policy making within parliament
- some groups employ professional lobbyists to contact people involved in legislation and present their case clearly.
Greenpeace achievements/aims
Agreement with the UN to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. limit industrial fishing and deep-sea mining.
BP and Shell Oil Blocks (2021-2023): Greenpeace successfully campaigned against new oil and gas licenses in the UK.
Ban on petrol and diesel cars 2030 (now 2035)
What are the different ways Pressure groups can pressure the government?
Lobbying of MPs
social media platform
Protests
strikes
What do just stop oil camping for?
Campaign against new fossil fuel licensing and production in the UK
What do the taxpayers alliance aim to influence? And how do they do this
Aim to influence Lower taxes and reduce government spending. They highlight government waste and promote financial accountability
what does the Muslim vote aim to do And what have they achieved?
Mobilise Muslim voters to influence elections by supporting candidates who Align with foreign policy on Palestine and issues affecting Muslim communities
2024 election saw a record-breaking 25 Muslim MPs elected - representation
Muslim votes for labour reduced by almost 1/3 in 2024 - Israel-Hamas conflict
Name a right leaning think tank
- Policy Exchange- “an independent, non-partisan educational charity whose mission is to develop and promote new policy ideas that will deliver better public services, a stronger society and a more dynamic economy.”
- Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA)- “further the dissemination of free-market thinking” by “analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems”.
Left leaning think tank
1.Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR),
2. Fabian Society—typically support wealth redistribution and public sector investment.
How do think tanks influence policy?
publishing reports, advising politicians, and providing research that shapes debates in Parliament. Their work can directly feed into government proposals and manifestos
What is a think tank
Think tanks are research organizations that develop policy ideas and influence government decisions
What are lobbyists?
Lobbyists work to persuade politicians and policymakers on behalf of businesses, charities, or other interest groups.
What is advantage of lobbying
helps businesses and organizations have a voice in policymaking,
Disadvantage of lobbying
critics argue it gives too much influence to those with money and access.
Lobbyist group example
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) – Represents businesses and lobbies for pro-business policies. it is also neutral in politics.
