Pressure groups

• what are the different types of pressure groups?

  • sectional interest groups
  • outsider groups
  • insider groups
  • promotional/cause groups
• what are the different groups which influence politics

  • corporations - large companies which seek to lobby the government
  • think tanks - privately funded, non-profit organisations that conduct research with a view to changing political policies
  • lobbyists - companies who get paid to gain access to government for their clients
• what are the access points for pressure groups?

  • the EU
  • the media and public opinion
  • government
  • parliament
  • political parties
  • courts
  • devolved assemblies and local councils
• what are insider methods?

  they are methods which seek to influence the government directly by having contact with politicians and decision makers - methods are 'quiet' as they already have access to the government
• what are outsider methods?

  they try and influence government indirectly by informing and persuading the public to support them. They use 'loud' methods
• what is direct action?

  it is where the public becomes actively involved in politics as opposed to dealing through a representative or simply voting in an election
• what are the different forms of direct action?

  marches and demonstrations, sit-ins, illegal acts, strikes
• how does being an insider influence the success of pressure groups?

  they tend to be more compatible with the government and if they are important to the government, will get more sympathy from them
• what is an example of an insider pressure group?

  Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
• how does social status impact the success of pressure groups?

  an important social status can be key in gaining more attention and recognition
• how does wealth impact the success of pressure groups?

  it means they can hire expensive lobbyists who can advise best on how to conduct their campaign
• how does celebrity impact the success of pressure groups?

  celebrity endorsement can increase publicity - example = Jamie Oliver and 'good food for schools'
• what are the key strengths of pressure groups?

  • individuals can participate in the political process
  • gives citizens another voice due to it reflecting the system of a pluralist democracy
  • counter-balances the tyranny of the majority
  • can bring expert knowledge to the government's attention
  • act as a limit to the government's power
  • can educate and inform the electorate
• what are the key weaknesses of pressure groups?

  • can be divisive and selfish
  • are good at stopping things which others feel are needed
  • are not accountable to public
  • they have reduced the power of parliament
  • they make the country difficult to manage and govern
• example of think tank?

  adam smith institute - focus on introduction of free-market policies
• example of think tank?

  fabian society - major left-of-centre think tank