2.3.2 - Pressure groups & participation in Politics Flashcards
(19 cards)
Question 1
What is a pressure group?
An organization with shared aims that seeks to influence policy through political means, without running for office.
Question 2
What methods do Pressure Groups use to achieve their means?
- Target various levels of government (UK, local, national, European).
- Engage with companies directly, especially image-conscious corporations.
- Use lobbying, petitions, court cases, boycotts & demonstrations.
- Some groups practice non-violent civil disobedience, while others turn into political parties.
Question 3
What are the Similarities between Political Parties & Pressure Groups?
- Both seek systemic political changes.
- Both have organized leadership & membership.
- Both demonstrate public support for their causes.
- Both interact with government through lobbying or negotiations.
Question 4
What are the Differences between Political Parties & Pressure Groups?
Political Parties:
- Aim to hold political office.
- Set policies to implement in government.
- Have a defined political ideology (e.g., socialism).
Pressure Groups:
- Do not seek political office.
- Focus on achieving specific goals (e.g., Just Stop Oil).
- Lack a broad political ideology.
Question 5
What is Just Stop Oil?
- Founded in 2022, demands an end to fossil fuel licensing & production.
- Uses civil resistance, traffic obstruction, & direct action.
- Progress: Revoked Shell’s Jackdaw gas field & Equinor’s Rosebank project approvals.
- Why people join: Ethical beliefs, environmental protection, government frustration.
Question 6
What is the Abortion Rights Pressure Group?
- Formed in 2003 through the merger of two pro-choice organizations.
- Promotes legal access to abortion in the UK.
- Key success: 1967 Abortion Act, backed by MP David Steel.
- Opposed attempts in 1975 to restrict abortion rights.
Question 7
What is the Greenpeace Pressure Group?
- Founded in 1971, operates in 40+ countries.
- Focused on defending the planet & sustainable development.
- Has a global membership of 2.8 million people.
Question 8
What is the Conservative Way Forward Pressure Group?
- Influences UK Conservative Party, promotes Thatcherite values.
- Supports tax cuts, deregulation, & national security policies.
- Has lobbied MPs for economic reforms & opposed woke policies.
Question 9
How do Pressure Groups Exert Influence?
- Demonstrations – Public protests to gain visibility & attention.
- Petitions – Raise awareness among politicians about public concerns.
- Media Advertising – Posters, online campaigns, newspaper ads to attract support.
- Publicity Stunts – Events designed for media coverage; effectiveness depends on portrayal.
Question 10
How do Pressure Groups use Direct action & Lobbying?
- Direct Action – Protests, strikes, or civil resistance to push for change.
- Lobbying – Influencing MPs & decision-makers through meetings, donations & expert advice.
- Criticism: Wealthy groups can afford lobbyists, leading to concerns about unfair influence
Question 11
What is party membership & it’s role in influence?
- Mass Mobilization – Organizing protests, petitions & demonstrations.
- Electoral Influence – Supporting candidates & shaping election outcomes.
- Expertise & Advocacy – Providing credible research to policymakers.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Social media & educational initiatives to sway public opinion.
- Direct Lobbying – Engaging with MPs & ministers for policy influence.
- Party Affiliation & Insider Status – Close ties to parties allow influence from within.
- Legal Challenges – Funding court cases to challenge government policy.
- Grassroots Engagement – Strengthening legitimacy by staying connected to local concerns.
Question 12
What is Wealth & Resources as a Factor Influencing Pressure Group Success?
- Wealth & Resources – Financial strength enables lobbying & campaigning.
- Example: CBI influences UK business regulations through lobbying
Question 13
What is Membership Size & Public Support as a Factor Influencing Pressure Group Success?
- Membership Size & Public Support – Large groups hold more legitimacy.
- Example: 38 Degrees gathered 500,000 signatures to prevent England’s forest privatization.
Question 14
What is Media Coverage & Public Awareness as a Factor Influencing Pressure Group Success?
- Media Coverage & Public Awareness – Public attention pressure policymakers.
- Example: Extinction Rebellion gained visibility through disruptive protests.
Question 15
What is Opposition from Government or Powerful Interests as a Factor Influencing Pressure Group Failures?
- Opposition from Government or Powerful Interests – Influence depends on political alignment.
- Example: Countryside Alliance faced resistance in its campaign against the Hunting Act (2004).
Question 16
What is Lack of Public Support as a Factor Influencing Pressure Group Failures?
- Lack of Public Support – Unpopular causes struggle for momentum.
- Example: Pro-smoking lobbyists failed against public health concerns.
Question 17
What is Limited Financial Resources as a Factor Influencing Pressure Group Failures?
- Limited Financial Resources – Without funding, campaigns weaken.
- Example: Smaller environmental groups often lack the lobbying power of large corporations.
Question 18
How do Pressure groups Strengthen Democracy?
- Allow citizens to organize & advocate for interests.
- Represent diverse opinions beyond traditional party politics.
- Moderate extreme views by fostering political discussion.
Question 19
How do Pressure groups Weaken Democracy?
- Passive memberships reduce real engagement (cheque-book membership).
- Insider groups may advance elite interests over public good.
- Favor articulate, educated leaders, skewing influence toward middle-class groups.
- Risk distorting policy discussions by presenting biased information.
