Chapter 1 - Pressure groups - final Flashcards

1
Q

What are pressure groups?

A

Associations that seek to influence policy making without actually seeking power.

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2
Q

What are the 7 functions of pressure groups?

A
  • Represent the interests of sections of the community that feel they are not otherwise fully represented.
  • Protect the interests of minorities.
  • Promote side-lined causes.
  • Inform and educate the public.
  • Call government to account.
  • Inform government in order to influence policy.
  • Offer opportunities to participate in politics.
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3
Q

What are promotional groups?

A

Pressure groups that promote a cause or set of beliefs.

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4
Q

What are promotional groups also known as?

A

‘cause’ or ‘issue’ groups.

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5
Q

What are sectional groups?

A

A pressure group with an identifiable membership or supporting group that represents a section of society.

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6
Q

What are sectional groups also known as?

A

‘interest groups’

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7
Q

Give 3 promotional groups in the UK?

A
  • Greenpeace
  • Unlock Democracy
  • Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)
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8
Q

What is a hybrid sectional group?

A

A sectional group that believes it is helping the whole community by serving the interests of its members. For example, unions representing teachers or doctors.

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9
Q

Give 2 examples of UK sectional groups?

A
  • Age UK

- British Medical Association (BMA)

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10
Q

Give 4 features of promotional pressure groups?

A
  • They are altruistic.
  • Try to mobilise public opinion.
  • Often use direct action.
  • Seek widespread support.
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11
Q

Give 4 features of sectional pressure groups?

A
  • Largely self-interested.
  • Seek direct links with policy makers.
  • Use responsible methods of influence.
  • Usually have a formal membership.
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12
Q

Give 3 methods of pressure groups.

A
  • Making financial donations to political parties to find favour.
  • Parliamentary representation - MPs might sponsor a group and influence legislation.
  • Media campaigns can be used to mobilise public opinion.
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13
Q

Why is size a factor for the success of pressure groups?

A

The more supporters a group has the greater pressure it can put on policy makers, as government does not wish to go against public opinion.

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14
Q

Why is impact does finance have on the success of pressure groups?

A

Wealthy groups can afford expensive campaigns, employ lobbyists, and sponsor political parties.

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15
Q

What impact does the strategic position of a pressure group have on its success chances?

A

The banking sectors and teachers for example are vital to the economy and society, and so have a great deal of leverage.

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16
Q

What is hyperpluralism?

A

A modern phenomenon describing the rapid growth in the number of interest groups, making government increasingly difficult.

17
Q

What is ASH?

A

Action on Smoking and Health; promotional groups that aims to spread knowledge on the harmful effects of tobacco use and get laws passed reducing tobacco use.

18
Q

In what way do pressure groups enhance democracy?

A
  • Disperse power and influence more widely.
  • Educate the public.
  • More opportunities to participate.
  • Promote and protect the interests of minorities.
  • Hold government to account.
19
Q

In what ways do pressure groups threaten democracy?

A
  • Concentrate power in too few hands.
  • Distort information in their own interests.
  • Wealthy groups wield a disproportionate amount of influence.
20
Q

What is a think tank?

A

An organisation that undertakes research into various aspects of public policy. Can be privately or state financed. Can be neutral or partisan.

21
Q

Give an example of a state-funded think tank?

A

The King’s Fund - advises government on health policy and expenditure.

22
Q

What does the think tank Chatham House?

A

Advice government on international affairs.

23
Q

What does the Right-wing think tank Adam Smith Institute do?

A

Promote free-market solutions to economic issues.

24
Q

How do lobby groups influence politics?

A

They employ former politicians in order to gain insider influence and help promote the cause of those who employ them. They are known as the ‘hidden face’ of politics.

25
Q

What are the differences between parties and pressure groups?

A
  • Parties seek to gain power; pressure groups do not.
  • Parties are accountable for their policies; pressure groups are not.
  • Parties develop broad policies; pressure groups are narrow in their interests.