Pressure Groups, Think Tanks, Lobbyists, and Corporations Flashcards

Flashcards about pressure groups, think tanks, lobbyists, and corporations for A-Level Politics.

What are pressure groups?

Seek to influence politics in order to achieve particular goals but do not seek political office.

What are causal pressure groups?

Groups focused on achieving a particular goal or drawing attention to an issue, with membership usually open to anyone who sympathizes with the cause.

What are sectional interest groups?

Promote the interests of a particular group in society, often limiting membership to those with certain qualifications or expertise.

What are social movements?

Similar to causal groups but more loosely structured, often politically radical, and seek to achieve a single objective, facilitated by social media.

What are insider groups?

Rely on close contacts with ministers and civil servants to achieve their aims; objectives generally align with the government's views.

What are outsider groups?

Not consulted by the government, often with objectives far from the political mainstream; may avoid government contact to maintain ideological purity.

What methods do insider groups employ?

Lobby the government, brief MPs, provide specialized advice, and sometimes draft legislation.

What methods do outsider groups employ?

Gain publicity through social media, petitions, demonstrations, and publicity stunts; may initiate legal challenges.

What is the British Medical Association (BMA)?

Protects the interests of doctors and acts as a cause group on public health issues.

What is the National Farmers Union (NFU)?

An insider sectional pressure group that has close contacts and lobbying success with DEFRA, providing specific expertise and advice.

Who is Marcus Rashford?

A footballer who spearheaded successful outsider pressure group campaigns against child poverty, using social media, open letters, and e-petitions to generate public support.

What is Just Stop Oil?

A coalition of groups and individuals formed to pressure the government to end new licenses for fossil fuel production in the UK, known for disruptive public demonstrations.

What is the RMT union?

A union that works on the railways and has held major strikes to demand pay increases and protest the increasing profits of rail companies.

How do resources contribute to pressure group success?

A large membership that pays subscriptions allows a large pressure group to run offices, pay staff, and organize publicity, therefore gaining significant influence.

Why is strategy and leadership important for pressure groups?

Experienced, capable leadership is essential to the success of pressure groups.

Why is public support important for pressure groups?

If pressure groups represent a large portion of public opinion, they're generally more successful.

Why is government attitude important for pressure groups?

Governments will usually listen to groups on which they rely for specific expertise and those that can find common ground.

What are think tanks?

A group of experts who investigate topics and offer solutions to complicated economic, social, and political issues; often have political leanings and strong connections to political parties.

Who are lobbyists?

Members of professional organizations paid by clients seeking access to and influence over government, MPs, and members of the House of Lords.

How do corporations influence government?

They can have significant influence on the government due to their importance to the UK economy and the jobs of a lot of people in the UK population.