Unit 7: Pressure groups Flashcards
Define pressure group
An organised interest group in which members hold similar beliefs and actively pursue ways to influence government
Explain the difference between insider and outside pressure groups
Insider have close ties to government whereas outsider influence through public pressure
Explain the difference between causal and interest pressure groups
Causal benefits everyone whereas interest is for a specific group
Name 4 functions of pressure groups
• Representation
• Citizen Participation
• Public Education
• Agenda building
Name 4 methods used by pressure groups
Endorsing political candidates
Courts
Lobbying
Direct action e.g boycotts or petitions
Name 2 positives and 2 negatives of pressure groups using election funding
Adv: influence congress to pressure executive, get more chance to influence government
Disadv: Difficult for outsiders, not always enough for success (2020]
Name 3 ways PACs and Super PACs have too much power
Super PACs bypass legislation
Elitism
Legislators may vote in interests of donors rather than public
Name 3 ways PACs and Super PACs do not have too much power
Pluralist society
Donations don’t mean victory
Still need public onside
Name 3 structural differences for pressure groups in the US and UK
More access points in US
UK more strict finance laws
US SC more powerful so groups use legal challenges more
Name 3 rational similarities or differences for pressure groups in the US and UK
Both: former politicians lobby government, parties favour those who donate, outsider groups use direct action to get results
Less influence of lobbying in UK due to stricter whip
Name 3 cultural similarities or differences for pressure groups in the US and UK
US protected by first amendment, UK not
Both have pluralism
Both use political protest to get results
Name 4 ways the influence of pressure groups differs in the UK and the US
US more access points
US more involved in elections (less regulation)
US more lobbying but UK still has lots
US more legal challenges
Name 3 ways that UK and US pressure groups differ in the methods used
More spending in US (less restricted)
US More use of courts
US more lobbying of congress members
Name 3 ways that UK and US pressure groups are similar in the methods used
Both use online and social media advertising
Both use courts to defend citizens rights
Both use direct action commonly
