Comparing UK and US interest groups

Explain the difference in the access points in the US and the UK?

• Less access points in the UK - no midterms and PGs can only target the Executive due to the fusion of the two branches

• The US has multiple and frequent elections and the federal system means there is three branches with shared sovereignty

Explain the difference in the lobbying in the US and the UK?

• PGs have to focus their lobbying on a national level as power is centralised with the two parties. It isn’t focused on the judiciary as Parliament is sov and they can only partially challenge the executive.

• IGs can focus lobbying in any three branches - they target the judiciary who have constitutional authority to challenge the executive.

Explain the difference in election funding in the US and the UK?

• In the UK funding is done through parties so no electioneering can occur

• In the US IGs can electioneer and support candidates through PACs and Super PACs

Explain the difference in the party systems in the US and the UK?

• In the UK, there is stronger party discipline so PGs don’t target individual MPs

• In the US, there is looser party discipline, so individual candidates are likely to stray from party goals

What are the similarities between the US and UK systems?

• Both lobby decision makers in the legislature and executive in order to shape new laws

• Both have the issue of the revolving door and the conflict of interest

• PGs who don’t align with govt aims usually aren’t successful so they use direct action

• Social media has been used with less well resources groups and allows for wider public participation

• Both can use legal channels to exert pressure