Pressure groups

How are pressure groups defined?

• Narrow issue focus

• seek to exert outsider influence

• members are united by common interest

What are insider groups?

These groups have privellaged access to the government decision making

What is an example of an insider pressure group?

Howard League- they focus on prison reform and supply the home office with important information on the topic

What are outsider groups?

groups that don’t have access to political decision making. This could be due to a reluctance to work within the current system.

What is an example of an outsider group?

Extinction Rebellion- They have carried out several disruptive high profile protests in order to recieve public recognition

What is a think tank?

A group of experts in a particular field who use their evidence to shape/advise policy making

What is a positive of Think Tanks?

Some believe that they enhance democracy as they research and develop policy options which will aid public debate

What is a negative of think tanks?

Many think that their policies favour the corporate interests which fund them which will undermine democracy

What are corporations?

Chains that are vital in our economy so except to have a say in law. They don’t vote in elections.

e,g Tesco/Shell

What is a positive of corporations?

A successful economy is dependent on them and so they should express their opinions and their voices should be heard.

What is a negative of corporations?

They use their wealth and power to manipulate government decisions

What is a lobbyist?

Individuals or firms which are paid by clients to influence parliament to act in the clients interests

What is a positive of lobbyists?

It allows groups that are likely to be impacted by a government decision to engage with the government so therefore enhances democracy.

What is a negative of lobbyists?

They can be abused by those which are seeking to further their own private interests

How can wealth result in a groups success?

government keeps big businesses and corporations at ease due to their impact on the economy meaning that they have a big impact over our politics

Why may wealthy be a negative?

The wealthys aims may be out of touch which will cause discontent amongst the public.

The same knowledge previously given by experts can be accessed via the internet

Why can the size of a group impact its success?

• Larger groups can claim to represent wider public opinion

• More members means more subscriptions and donations so more action

Why may the size of a group not always result in success?

• Large group doesn’t mean insider status (trade unions have had no impact in the 14 years of Tory rule)

• Small groups can still have high expertise

Why can the leadership of a group result in success?

High quality leadership will result in good political skills and contacts which may result in eventually gaining insider status and the group having a bigger impact

Why does strong leadership not always mean success?

If a pressure group is in opposition to the government’s view then they are unlikely to succeed

Why can compatability with the government result in success?

The government will be more likely to sympathise with their aims and therefore the groups will have a real chance at making an impact if views align

Why does compatability with the government not always matter?

If a pressure group can mobilise public opinion then they can still influence government policy even if being ideologically outsiders with the government

Why can public support result in success?

• Government’s may look at agroups support to see how damaging it could be to them during elections

• Big pressure groups have a higher level of public support

Why does public support not always matter?

• Public support isn’t always reflected in political influence

• Groups may clash with policy commitments made by the government

How does working with ministers/civil service work?

Governments consult think tanks, lobbyists and pressure groups for specialised knowledge which can prevent reactions from pressure groups and make things more collaborative

How effective is working with ministers/civil service?

• Pressure groups can shape policies to benefit them and their causes

• Effectiveness has decreased since devolved assemblies have been introduced

How does working with parliament work?

They can look to influence legislation by asing MP’s to make ammendments, drafting private members bills

Mainly done by outsider groups

How effective is working with the government?

The government still dominates parliament (especially with a large majority). However, the groups are more likely to gain media coverage than change the law.

How does working with political parties work?

They can influence party policy through fundraising or donations

Is working with political parties effective?

It is reliant on a party sticking to its manifesto pledges and working too close to a party can result in the group pushing away support from other parties.

How effective is engaging with the public?

• social media can spread the groups messages however, they don’t have any legal impact

• It helps to shape public opinion

• It is difficult to shift government policy