Application questions of Pressure Groups

Question 1

Is extinction rebellion an insider group?

Answer 1

• No
• they protested among many UK cities during 2019
• this raised the profile of environmental issues and led to meetings with Gove.

Question 2

Why might a pressure group achieve more as an insider?

Answer 2

• A pressure group is an organised group of people brought together for a cause.
• They aim to influence policies and political decisions without trying to get into office.
• Insdier pressure groups work inside with decision makers. Groups like CBI and NICE are consulted by governemnt departments.
• Insider groups have more influence over policy because they don’t aim to gain the support of public opinion as a way to policy, which is harder to achieve.
• However, they have to keep the government on their side which is difficult too, as they cannot make outlandish demands.

Question 3

Examples of think tanks

Answer 3

• Fabian Society
• Centre for Social Justice
• Legatum Insitute
• Adam Smith Institute