pressure groups

types of groups

• interest vs promotional

• insider vs outsider

• many groups can change and switch

pressure group methods

conventional - publicity campaigns, lobbying, petitions

direct action - demonstrations, marches, strikes, legal challenges

SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

examples of pressure groups

• BMA - insider- lobbied gov to ban inside smoking in 2007- success

• greenpeace- outside - growing political census (success)- actions criticised (not success)

• Police federation - inside- 2019 police protection and powers bill Influencrd

• national farmers union insider

• CBI- insider- biggest business lobby group

• Surfers against sewage- outsider- forced gov to place legal duties on companies to reduce discharges

• CND - nuclear disbarment- outsider - influenced Labour Party - won Nobel peace- continue lobby uk

• just stop oil- outsider

• national union railway - outsider strikes

• marcus rashford free school meals

factors determining success

• insider/outsider status- more access points- lobbying or priv member bills

• finances

• public attitudes- snowdrop campaign ban handguns after dunblane massacre

• membership size

• economic importance

• gov attitudes- insider status - weak gov- willingness of gov- if it makes thek look better before re election

Think tanks

• affect gov

• privately funded

• develop policy ideas

• research key areas

• promote agenda

• criticised for lack of academic and more filled with young people- milliband worked at start of career without experience- using as springboard for career

Examples

• bow group- cons oppose to socialism

• Adam smith Indtitute- focus on free market policies

• Centre European reform- stimulate debate

• centre for social jsutice- created uiversal credit beenfits system

Lobbysits

• ppl hired to persuade those in power

• personal connection to those in power

• hired by other groups

• paid by others

corporations

• big business and financial corp

• control important sector of economy

• seek favorable legislation and gov action

• can threaten to relocate to pressure gov

• 7.5 billion given by bank of england during void

• campiagned during brexit- wetherspoons and dyson leave

• interests represented by groups - CBI

media

• reporting influences how public views pressure groups

• sets politicsl agenda

• can promote - rashford - lumley campaign to overturn ban to0 allow ghurka soldiers to live in uk

problems with lobbyists

• 2014- have to register if lobbying on behalf of someone if discussing w minister or civil servant

• problems w journalists posing and offering money

• 4000 lobbysits- 2 billion spent eachb year but less than us where 3.5 trillion spent

• revolving door process

• cash for questions

• bemi ecclestone

• david cameron and greensill capital

are pressure groups good for democracy (yes)

• allow pluralism - equal competition

• focus on specific issues

• participation between elections]

• large memberships

• provide info to gov

• minimum turnout in strikes is 50%

are pressure groups good for democracy (no)

• elitism dominates society

• lacks internal democracy

• unaccountable to electorate

• violent direct action

• striking undermines democratic state

• prevent unified gov

Explain and analyse three ways in which the internet has impacted pressure group activity

cheaper methods of campaigning- Online platforms allow for faster and more efficient dissemination of information, campaign materials, and calls to action.- Change.org leverage the internet to create online petitions

- Public better informed- Me Too movement used online platforms awareness about sexual harassment, widespread media coverage and policy discussions- increased visibility can lead to increased pressure on policymakers to act

- Raised awareness of activity- Extinction Rebellion used social media to organize global climate strikes and spread their message to an international audience- lowering barriers for involvement and enabling grassroots participation in campaigns.

Explain and analyse three features of outsider groups

🔹 Feature 1: Lack of insider access

• Explanation: Outsider groups are not consulted by government and lack direct influence on policy.

• Example: Extinction Rebellion is excluded from formal government discussions on climate change.

• Analysis: This forces them to rely on alternative methods (e.g. protests), reducing their influence on decision-making compared to insider groups.

🔹 Feature 2: Reliance on direct action and media attention

• Explanation: Without official channels, outsider groups seek publicity through protests, stunts, and campaigns.

• Example: Greenpeace conducting headline-grabbing actions like scaling oil rigs.

• Analysis: Can successfully raise awareness and shift public discourse, but risks public backlash or being dismissed as extreme.

🔹 Feature 3: Often hold radical or uncompromising views

• Explanation: Their positions are typically too extreme or niche for mainstream politics, limiting cooperation with political institutions.

• Example: Animal Rebellion calls for a complete end to animal farming, not incremental change.

• Analysis: This can energise activists and clarify messaging, but reduces policy impact as politicians may not engage.

Explain and analyse three features of insider groups

Feature 1: Close Access to Government

• Explanation: Insider groups have direct and regular access to decision-makers, such as ministers, civil servants, and parliamentary committees.

• Example: The British Medical Association (BMA) is often consulted on health policy due to its professional status and expertise.

• Analysis: This access allows them to influence legislation during the early stages, often before the public or outsider groups are even aware of it. Their input can shape both the content and implementation of policy, giving them significant power.

• Link: This shows insider groups are effective because they operate inside the political system.

Feature 2: Expertise and Specialist Knowledge

• Explanation: Insider groups are valued for their technical knowledge and are seen as credible contributors to policy debates.

• Example: The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) advises on economic and business policy due to its understanding of the private sector.

• Analysis: This means governments often rely on them during complex policymaking, increasing the group's influence and making them trusted partners.

• Link: Their expertise strengthens their insider status and ensures long-term consultation.

Feature 3: Institutional Legitimacy and Professionalism

• Explanation: Insider groups are often professional bodies or charities with a formal structure and a legitimate stake in policymaking.

• Example: National Farmers’ Union (NFU) represents a specific economic sector and maintains institutional channels with DEFRA.

• Analysis: Their established role means they are viewed as stable and reliable, in contrast to outsider groups that may use more confrontational tactics.

• Link: This legitimacy reinforces their insider position and continued relevance to policy.

Explain and analyse 3 roles of pressure groups in British politics

- hold gov to account- Liberty, a civil liberties criticized government policies on surveillance, privacy, and human rights- highlighting potential abuses of power - ensure that laws and policies are in line with citizens’ rights

- Influencing policy- (BMA) expertise NHS budget and public health policies- use their specialized knowledge to inform policymakers and advocate for legislative changes

- Political representation- National Union of Teachers (NUT) lobbies for policies on issues like pay, conditions, and education funding- However, there is a risk that groups with more resources may have an outsized influence

Explain and analyse 3 reasons why pressure groups succeed

-strong public support- Make Poverty History campaign, through rallies, petitions, and celebrity endorsements- coalition 400 charities, ultimately helped shape policies on international aid- harder for the government to overlook its demands

-access to decision makers-politicians, civil servants, and government ministers- National Farmers' Union (NFU) ensuring that the interests of the farming community- allows pressure groups to engage in dialogue, present evidence, and influence legislative processes.

- Raised awareness of activity- Extinction Rebellion used social media to organize global climate strikes and spread their message to an international audience- lowering barriers for involvement and enabling grassroots participation in campaigns

Explain and analyse 3 reasons why pressure groups fail

- lack of resources- smaller environmental groups often lack the financial backing of larger, more established groups like Greenpeace- lack of resources limits a pressure group’s ability to run large-scale campaigns, conduct research, or engage with the media.

- The government can resist pressure from group- Large business or corporate lobbies, such as the oil or pharmaceutical industries, can block or dilute environmental and health-related campaigns- struggle to gain the attention or cooperation of policymakers

- The goals of the group go against popular opinion- hunting ban or frackinh- Public apathy or disinterest- disruption just stop oil- annoy public