Unit 1 - Pressure Groups Flashcards
What are some differences between pressure groups and political parties?
- Pressure groups lack formal organisation and official leadership
- PGs don’t stand for election
- PGs have a narrow range of issues they focus on.
- PG members may have differing political views
- Huge number of pressure groups compared to very few parties
What is a pressure group?
Organisation of like-minded individuals who seem to influence government policy in relation to a particular field or policy.
What are some functions of pressure groups?
- Provide a link between the state and society
- Representation
- Participation
- Education
- Mobilisation - mobilise people outside of their own spheres
- Scrutiny
- Legitimacy - seen as essential in modern democracies
- Policy formulation
- A medium to international politics through the use of international pressure groups
What are sectional (interest) pressure groups?
• Aim to protect the interests of their members.
- Exclusive membership
- Usually consists of members of a particular occupation/organisation
e.g NUT, BMA, Unite, AA
What are promotional (cause) groups?
PGs that campaign to promote issues and policies which do not exclusively benefit the groups members.
- Promotes a specific cause
- Open membership
E.g Child Poverty Action Group, Electoral Reform Society, Friends of the Earth
What is an access point?
A location within the political system through which pressure groups can apply pressure.
E.g MPs
Name some access points
- Civil servants
- House of Lords
- Government
- Media
- Public opinion
- EU
What are insider groups?
PGs that regularly consult with the government.
- Able to work effectively inside Parliamentary procedures by holding meeting with MPs or standing before Select Committees.
What are outsider groups?
PGs that don’t have contact with the government or much direct influence on policy making.
- attempt to reach their aims by influencing the public and capturing media attention, often through public stunts.
What are some of the methods that insider groups use?
- Sponsorship of MPs
- Direct lobbying of ministers
- Participation in official committees.
- Representation on quangos
- Evidence to parliamentary committees.
What methods do outsider groups use?
- Protests/demonstrations
- Sectional groups may strike (unite vs BA 2007)
- Litigation
- Media campaigns
- Petitions (stop road pricing 1.8 million 2007)
- Internet campaigns (green peace inspiring action campaign 2009)
- Illegal activity
- Party funding
- Lobbying on a single issue
Are pressure groups becoming more powerful? Yes
- Election turnout has fallen as pressure groups are now more dominant
- Partisan dealignment
- Govts need PG support (think tanks)
- Social media has made it easier to campaign
- More access points
- International groups
Re pressure groups becoming more powerful? No
- Low turnout means content not discontent
- Some pressure groups having falling membership from 23.2 % to 12.7 %
- End of corporatism in the 80s mean that less role for trade unions
- Govts are ultimate decision makers
- Social media campaigns are short term
- Hyper pluralism
Do pressure groups enhance democracy? Yes
- Defence against tyranny of the majority as they represent minority
- Disperse power
- Help to educate public
- May help governing process by providing information
- Encourage participation
- Essential for pluralist democracy
Do pressure groups enhance democracy? No
- Douglas Hurd described them as ‘serpents that strangle efficient government’
- Undermine authority of govt
- Tend to consider only their self concerns
- Tyranny of the minority
- Some engage in civil disobedience
- Corrupt - cash for influence scandal 2010
