UK - Pressure groups

Question 1

What is a pressure group?

Answer 1

An organised interest group in which members hold similar beliefs and actively pursue ways to influence government.

Question 2

How do they differ from political parties?

Answer 2

They only seek to influence those in power, whereas a political party aims to win power for itself

Question 3

Give the 5 main functions of pressure groups

Answer 3

• Encouraging public participation in politics
• Providing channels of communication between the government and the governed
• Protecting minority rights
• Providing expert information to the government
• Mobilising public support for certain issues that may include the direct action tacctics

Question 4

Pressure Groups

Explain and analyse three advantages possessed by insider pressure groups

Answer 4

intro: pressure groups are groups of individuals that aims to influence political decsion making.Insider pressure groups have regular contact with decision makers

1-Good communication channel. RSPCA is an insider group and is very successful due to connection and communication with Gov
2-Well funded and resourced. CBI (Confederation of british industry) funded £850 million during the 2008 financial crisis to help
3-Consultation. Many bills are made with insider groups advising its creation.(green and white papers of legislative process)Police protections and powers bill 2019 due to Police Federation lobbying.

Question 5

Pressure Groups

Explain and analyse three methods used by pressure groups to advance policy objectives

Answer 5

intro: pressure groups are groups of individuals that aims to influence political decsion making

1-Lobbying. Police protections and powers bill 2019 due to Police Federation lobbying.
2-Demonstrations. Just stop oil famous for disruptive demonstrations eg running onto football pitched during live games in front of thousands and tying themselves to goalposts
3-media campaigning. Use of E-petitions, Howard league for penal reform used media to overturn a ban on sending books to prisons in 2014

Question 6

pressure groups

Explain and analyse three factors that explain why some pressure groups are more successful than others

Answer 6

intro: pressure groups are groups of individuals that aims to influence political decsion making

1-Insider status : allows you to be close to lawmakers and genuinely effect policy. EG trade unions under a labour government
2-Membership : National trust highest membership (5million - more then any party) and is very very successful in lobbying for law which will benefit it eg heritage laws
3-In tune with public opinion : after the 1996 Dunblane shooting the snowdrop appeal gained widespread support that led to the 1997 Firearms Act. with real force behind an issue laws can be forced