pressure groups

• What is a pressure group?

  An organization that attempts to influence public policy on a single issue or range of related issues
• How do pressure groups differ from political parties?

  Pressure groups do not usually run candidates for public office, while parties do
• How can pressure groups be categorized?

  By aims to protect the interests of their membership
• What are sectional pressure groups?

  Groups that represent personal interests and tend to be well-resourced and well-staffed
• What are promotional pressure groups?

  Groups that promote a particular idea or cause, often relying on volunteer help
• Give an example of a sectional pressure group.

  British Medical Association (BMA)
• Give an example of a promotional pressure group.

  Child Poverty Action Group
• Why are pressure groups difficult to categorize by aim?

  Because some groups pursue both insider and outsider strategies simultaneously
• What is the difference between insider and outsider groups?

  Insider groups have good access to the government, while outsider groups do not
• What is an example of an insider pressure group?

  British Medical Association (BMA)
• What is an example of an outsider pressure group?

  Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)
• What assumption is made about interest groups compared to promotional groups?

  Interest groups are assumed to be more influential than promotional groups
• What assumption is made about promotional groups?

  Promotional groups are assumed to be of greater benefit to society than interest groups
• What is a criticism of the distinction between insider and outsider groups?

  The distinction is not clear-cut, as some groups pursue both strategies simultaneously
• What has changed regarding the number of insider groups since Grant's original suggestion?

  More groups have insider status than Grant originally suggested, with an 8:1 ratio in favor of insider groups
• Why is access to policy makers important for pressure groups?

  Access to policy makers allows pressure groups to influence legislation and government policy
• What is direct action in the context of pressure groups?

  Action taken outside the constitutional and legal framework, often targeting the public
• What are some examples of direct action?

  Strikes, blockades, and boycotts
• Why should direct action be used sparingly?

  Because the more it is used, the less effective it becomes
• How can direct action be effective?

  When it changes public opinion
• What is lobbying?


  Lobbying is when someone is hired to influence legislation and government policy on behalf of a pressure group
• How do media campaigns influence government policies?

  By spreading awareness on an issue to the public and government
• What is the role of insider pressure groups in influencing policy?

  They often work smoothly behind the scenes to influence policy
• What is the biggest policy community in Britain centered on?

  Financial interests of the City of London
• What is a think tank?

  A research institute providing advice and ideas on national or commercial problems
• What is a lobbyist?

  Someone who attempts to influence government policy and legislation on behalf of another individual or group
• Why do pressure groups use direct action?

  To target the public rather than policy makers
• What constitutes success for pressure groups?

  Policy making, changing public opinion, and having a large membership
• What is pluralism in the context of democracy?


  Pluralism is the belief that there is a political marketplace in which ideas can be traded and group activity can flourish
• Who established the pluralist theory of democracy?

  Robert Dahl