role of pressure groups

• what is pluralism?


  a theory that political power doesn’t rest simply with the electorate or the governing elite but its distributed among groups representing widely different individuals
• what is elitism?


  a theory that political power rests with a small group who gain power through wealth, family status or intellectual superiority
• what did the ‘Governmental Process 1951 state about the elitism or pluralism debate?

  argued that politics can only be understood if you analyse the way different interest groups interact with one another
• what was Mills’ original theory on elitism v pluralism?


  that the US was ruled by a small governing elite of wealthy and powerful individuals
• what viewpoint did Dahl argue in the elitism v pluralism debate?

  the US society was pluralistic and not elitist. in three key areas: political party nominations, urban redevelopment and public education
• what is a sectional group?

  they seek to represent their own section of society in politics
• give examples of sectional groups in USA

  • American Business conference
  • national association of manufacturers
  • American farmers Bureau
  • US chamber of Commerce
  • Labour unions
• sectional groups can represent a group based on ethnicity, religion or social characteristics such as

  The national Organisation for Women
• sectional interest groups can represent professions such as

  • the American Bar association
  • the American Medical association
• what is a causal group?


  campaigns for a particular cause or issue
• there are two types of causal groups, what is a single-interest group?

  they campaign on very specific issues such as the NRA
• there are two types of causal groups, what is an ideological/ policy group?


  these represent a set of values or a political ideology such as the American Conservative Union
• what are the functions of pressure egroups?

  • representation
  • citizen participation
  • agenda building
  • programme monitoring
  • Lobbying
  • organising grassroots activities
• Functions of pressure groups: Representation

  • being heard- they provide a means for citizens to have their voices heard
  • direct link to politicians - they provide a link between the public and the politician
  • multiple links - they provide an opportunity for groups to have their views represented across all three branches of gov
• functions of pressure groups: Citizen participation

  • decision making - give citizens the opportunity to get involved with political decision making between elections
  • focus on influencing a policy - give citizens the opportunity to influence a specific policy area they feel especially passionate about
• functions of pressure groups: agenda building

  • may attempt to influence political parties, legislators and bureaucrats into giving priority to their interests
• functions of pressure groups: programme monitoring

  • holding to account - pressure groups will hold governments to account in the implementation of certain policies by exposing any failures
• How do pressure groups influence governments: Electioneering

  • pressure groups work towards securing the election of specific candidates by endorsing hem and using their resources to give them a platform from which to campaign and reach a wider section of the electorate
• how do pressure groups influence governments: Donations

  • pressure groups can offer donations to fund a particular candidate‘s campaign
• how do pressure groups influence government: endorsement

  • groups can choose to endorse a particular candidate or actively work to undermine their electoral prospects
  • 2016 presidential race - the National right to life endorsed Trump and the pro choice NARAL endorsed hilary
• how do pressure groups influence government: Lobbying

  • providing valuable information - legislators are busy people who must appear informed on a wide range of issues - pressure groups can offer info in return for influence
  • voting cues and scorecards- pressure groups provide legislators with scorecards to offer reassurance to voters that they are taking the right stand on a particular issue
• how do pressure groups influence government: organising grassroots activities

  • pressure groups can effectively organise social media or a phone blitz on congress, the white house or a government department