Pressure groups

Question 1

What are features of interest (sectional) groups?

Answer 1

• Exclusive
• Limited membership
• Concerned with the well-being of it’s members
• Have the “ear of the government”
• Abide by the basic rules of the established political process.

Question 2

What are features of cause (promotional) groups?

Answer 2

• Open membership

* Based on causes

Question 3

Features of social movement groups

Answer 3

• Like cause groups but more loosely structured

* Actions tend to be radical to achieve a single objective

Question 4

Insider groups

Answer 4

Have close and productive relationships with the government so are less likely to use direct actions.

Question 5

Outsider groups

Answer 5

Have little to no contact with the government so often rely on illegal direct actions

Question 6

Functions of pressure groups

Answer 6

P - participation
A - agenda settings
P - pressure release
E - educational 
R - representation
S - scrutiny

Question 7

What methods can pressure groups use to get the governments attention

Answer 7

• Protest
• Contact ministers
• E-petitions
• Direct actions
• Contributing to political party funds

Question 8

What can limit pressure groups success?

Answer 8

• Size
• Wealth
• The government of the day
• Public opinion
• Status

Question 9

3 ways pressure groups improve the democratic process

Answer 9

(1) Provides an additional measure of participation / engagement between elections increasing legitimacy
(2) Ensure politics are in line with people’s preferences
(3) Provide expert and specialised knowledge

Question 10

Why is ‘clicktivism’ significant

Answer 10

Allows people to feel empowered and react quickly to government decisions for example through the online presence of 38 degrees and change.org

Question 11

Are pressure groups more important then political parties

Answer 11

Well in 2014 4.5 million people were part of a environmental pressure groups but in 2018 the conservative party has 124,000 members.

Question 12

Why do pressure groups use illegal methods?

Answer 12

• As a means to promote their cause (publicity) for example Fathers 4 justice buckingham palace scandal
• They have exhausted the legal route e.g. the suffragette

Question 13

3 reasons why pressure groups can fail to achieve their aims

Answer 13

• A lack of support i.e FOREST vs ASCH.
• Falls out of the government agenda as the stop the war campaign did but Blair assist it was necessary.
• Methods used can be counter productive especially if it’s direct action.

Question 14

Are pressure groups dependant on membership?

Answer 14

Yes: As a large membership can’t be ignored by those in power

• Celebrity endorsement can increase success
• Successful memberships tend to middle class, educated and have specialised knowledge.

No: Attitudes / ideologies of the government is important for example Thatcher influenced trade unions

• Media
• Power of the pressure groups (CBI)