Pressure groups

What is pluralism?

idea that power is psread across many different groups in society, not just held by one elite power.

e.g., pressure groups, media, voters, parties etc.

What is an insider pressure group?

A group that is consulted by the government and have regular access to decision makers which allows them to influence policy and fulfil their agenda.

• they must be law abiding with a good public image to retain the trust of the government.

e.g., BMA (British Medical Association)

What is an outsider pressure group?

Groups that are not consulted by the government and instead seek to influence political decisions through direct action and methods that will gain attention.

• rely on public campaigns, protests, or media coverage to raise awareness and pressure policymakers, as they lack direct access to decision-makers.

e.g., SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty)

What is a promotional/causation group?

Groups that promote a specific cause such as housing and homelessness.

• members do not require a connection to the cause to join.

• may build mass membership to demonstrate public support for their cause.

What is an interest/sectional group?

Aim to protect/improve the interests of their members

• all trade unions are interedt groups as they protect the interest of their members for instance, NEU is the UK’s largest teaching union.

What is a political agenda?

The set of issues and policies that are prioritized by government officials and political leaders, influencing legislative action and public discourse.

What are 5 reasons why people join pressure groups?

• If they feel unrepresented by the main political parties.

• If they believe in a specific issue and want to be part of a group who are like minded e.g., NUWUSS - The Suffragists and Suffragettes

• If they want to express themselves and participate e.g., BLM protest

• If they want a material reward e.g., Trade unions.

• If the need to for work to achieve something important to them e.g., ending world hunger.

What methods can pressure groups use?

-       Lobbying

-       Research and publish reports use data to inform people.

-       Give evidence in court (Amicus Curiae) .

-       Organist publicity campaigns and demonstrations.

-       Publicity stunts like strikes.

-       Take direct action / civil disobedience.

Reason why Pressure Groups are good for Democracy

REPRESENTATION - Give a voice to all.

PARTICIPATION - Offer a different method of political participation.

EDUCATION - Promote education and debate - enable policy makers + voters to be better informed.

POLICY FORMATION - Provide specialist information and can enable regulation on legislation.

SCRUTINY - Some PGs under regulation to ensure correct financial decisions and avoids corruption. Can also hold government accountable and ensure transparency in decision-making.

Reasons why they are bad for democracy

REPRESENTATION - Hyper pluralism — hard for gov to implement wants.

PARTICIPATION - Most members don’t partake in active political participation + just give money.

EDUCATION - Usually one-sided information. Ignore the negatives fail to rep other valid views.

POLICY FORMATION - Some groups fail to consider wider population when formulating policy.

SCRUTINY - Some dominated by powerful people can lead to PGs fighting.