Pressure Groups Flashcards
(8 cards)
What are pressure groups and what their aims?
A pressure group is an organised group of people that aims to influence the policies or actions of government.
1. They seek to exert influence from outside, meaning they don’t try to win political power in the same way as a party.
2. Typically have a ‘narrow issue’ focus, for example, environmental issues, or (even more specific) opposing the building of an airport runway. Parties have much more of a broad focus in many policy areas.
3. Members are united by a shared belief or common set of interests. Parties, on the other hand, are united by, broadly, an ideological viewpoint.
What are the advantages of pressure groups?
PGs provide a form of representation in the UK political system- they represent the interests of a particular group of people or represent the views on a particular issue. They are also a method of political participation. 40-50% of the UK population is a member of at least one PG. PGs also educate the public through raising awareness of the issues they campaign on. PGs are sometimes involved in policy formulation and implementation, through being insider groups.
What are the disadvantages of pressure groups?
. Many PGs have small, unrepresentative memberships that don’t represent public opinion.
. Information put out by PGs is very one-sided.
. Some PGs are dominated by powerful or charismatic individuals and don’t have internally democratic structures - therefore hindering democracy.
. Violent, immoral protests- e.g Darley Oaks farm which bred Guinea Pigs was targeted by the Animal Rights Militia. In 2004 they dug up the body of the owner’s MIL and her body was never recorded.
What are the different kinds of Insider pressure groups?
Insider PGs are groups that have close access to government agencies and officials.
1. Core IPGs - They have longstanding bilateral relations with policy makers over a broad range of issues e.g Confederation of British Industry.
2. Specialist IPGs - They only have a narrow area in which their specialist knowledge is required e.g British Meat and Poultry Federation.
3. Peripheral IPGS - Rarely needed due to the nature of their cause e.g the Stillbirth and Neonatal death society had the definition of stillbirth lowered from 28 to 24 weeks in 1992.
4. Prisoner groups - They find it impossible to break away from insider status because of reliance on gov funding or because they’re a public body e.g Historic England.
What are the advantages of Insider PGs?
They’re well-resourced which means they can hire professional lobbyists.
They are on good, communicative terms with the government which enables effective lobbying and policy advice.
What are the different kinds of outsider pressure groups?
Outsider PGs are those who do not have influence in the government.
1. Outsiders by necessity - They are forced to be outsiders due to their possibly controversial cause and/or methods e.g Campaign for nuclear disarmament.
2. Outsiders by choice - Often those campaigning for civil liberties choose to stay outsiders in order to retain independence e.g Liberty and Amnesty International.
3. Potential Insiders - They seek to be insiders but lack the necessary experience and connections.
What are the disadvantages of outsider PGs?
Headlines caused by disruption may lead to negative publicity e.g Just Stop Oil blocking the M25 in 2022. Outsiders also miss out on connections that the Insider PGs have.
What are the advantages of outsider PGs?
Outsider PGs have the freedom to act and take policy stances without being constrained by ties to the gov. High profile, even illegal protests make headlines and show dedication.
