POLI102 interest groups Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the distinguishing feature of interest groups?
A concern to influence the formulation and implementation of public policy.
(Grant 2000: 14)
List the multiple terms used for interest groups.
- Interest groups
- Special interest groups
- Pressure groups
- Advocacy groups
What are the two main types of interest groups?
- Organised economic interests
- Other types of pressure groups
Define ‘functional groups’.
Organisations that represent interests performing key economic and social functions.
Define ‘preference groups’.
Groups formed around a particular preference, belief, cause, or concern.
Give examples of functional groups.
- Confederation of British Industry
- Trade Unions Congress
- Chemical Industries Association
- British Bankers Association
- British Medical Association
Give examples of preference groups.
- Church of England
- National Trust
- Royal Society for Protection of Birds
- Stonewall
- Campaign for Real Ale
What are the multiple points in the policy process where interest groups can engage?
- Issue identification/agenda setting
- Responding to government consultation
- During the passage of legislation
- During implementation
- When policy is being evaluated
What has expanded the role of functional groups in the policy process?
The increasing complexity and extensiveness of government.
What is the economic role of functional groups?
The economy cannot function without firms, workers, and professional expertise.
What is a quasi-state role in preference groups?
Organisations closely associated with the state or providing state-like functions.
Define insider groups.
Groups seen by government as legitimate and regularly consulted.
Define outsider groups.
Groups whose goals are seen as too radical or whose tactics are unacceptable.
What is the main characteristic of insider groups?
They are professionalised and aim to build authority, trust, and confidence with government.
What does interest group pluralism refer to?
Multiplicity of interest groups operating in a competitive and uncoordinated environment.
What is corporatism?
A system of coordination and compromise-seeking between large functional interests.
What are the main differences between interest group pluralism and corporatism?
- Pluralism: many small interest groups, competition, little coordination
- Corporatism: few large groups, organized hierarchically, regular negotiations
What is the significance of ‘votes count, resources decide’?
Bargaining between government and interest groups affects policies more than elections.
What are the democratic roles of interest groups?
- Provide checks and balances
- Broaden participation
- Hold government to account
What concerns arise from the operation of interest groups?
- Unequal financial resources
- Lack of transparency in decision-making
What are some recent lobbying scandals mentioned?
- Cash for Questions (1994)
- The Ecclestone Affair (1997)
- Cash for Honours (2006)
- Cab for Hire (2010)
- Cash for Influence (2012)
- MPs for Hire (2023)
What is the conclusion regarding interest groups in a democratic political system?
They are core to democracy, vary in purpose and size, and functional groups dominate the system.
Fill in the blank: Interest groups provide for democratic _______.
checks and balances.
