Pressure Groups, Chapter 7 Flashcards
(192 cards)
1
Q
How did Alexis de Tocqueville claim America claim America had a healthy democracy after visiting the US in the 1830’s?
A
He was impressed by the way “Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions constantly form associations”
2
Q
What creates a civil society?
A
The associative tendency (the tendency of people to group together)
3
Q
What does the civil society involve?
A
Those above the personal realm of the family but beneath the state
4
Q
What are a few examples of civil society?
A
Charities, NGO’s concerned with trade and development and trade unions
5
Q
What are areas of social life organised by?
A
By voluntary arrangements between individuals and groups, outside and beyond control of the state
6
Q
What are a few examples of areas of social life?
A
The domestic world and cultural activities
7
Q
How has the growth in the extent and scope of governmental activity in the second half of the 20th century pushed pressure groups to grow in the modern age?
A
Government have become increasingly involved in issues like health, education and housing. A range of groups have emerged to articulate the views of the poor, the homeless etc as many people want to see improved facilities and benefits in these areas
8
Q
How was the growing complexity and specialism of modern life caused pressure groups to grown in number in the modern age?
A
People belong to many sub groups, not least those based on their occupation eg those in the medical field may belong to a union of health sector workers
9
Q
How has there being a surge of interest in single- issue campaigning caused pressure groups to grow in the modern age?
A
There has been single issue campaigning on issues from gay rights to the export of live animals, gun control etc since the 1980’s
10
Q
How has the development since the middle of the 20th century of a multi- ethnic and multicultural society caused pressure groups to grow in numbers?
A
This has encouraged the formation of a variety of groups that represent minority groups and to combat racism eg the Muslim Council of Britain and the Anti-Nazi League
11
Q
How has the emergence of new issues and the onset of post- materialism caused pressure groups to grow in numbers?
A
In recent decades new ideas such as ecology, feminism and gender equality have come onto the political agenda alongside many young voters sharing post-materialist attitudes
12
Q
How has improvements in communication facilitated the trend towards association and organisation for pressure groups to grow in modern times?
A
It has further stimulated group development- as with the use of e-mails and other innovations by those protecting against globalisation
13
Q
How are pressure groups similar to political parties ?
A
They both have a role in workings of government, with parties forming or opposing an administration, and groups by providing information and assisting in governmental enquiries
14
Q
How may there be a close relationship between pressure groups and particular political parties?
A
15 trade unions are affiliated to the Labour Party and form part of the wider Labour movement.
15
Q
How are there groups within the parties that seek to influence parry thinking?
A
The Tory reform club and Bruges group in the Conservative group and the Tribune group in the Labour Party
16
Q
What might the Tory reform club be referred to as?
A
They are thought as pressure groups within a party
17
Q
How do some think tanks act alongside political parties?
A
Members share the broad outlook of the party but act independently and seek to have an impact on public policy.
18
Q
What are the two examples of think tanks that work with the political parties?
A
The institute for public policy research works on the moderate left and the centre for policy studies on the right
19
Q
What is an example of a pressure group that that actually put candidates up in an election?
A
The pro- life alliance did in 1997 and 2001
20
Q
How do political parties differ from pressure groups?
A
Pressure groups don’t seek to win elections but just wish to influence those in office. If they contest in elections it’s to gain publicity on an issue
21
Q
What is a social movement?
A
A large body of people who are interested in a common theme that is of continuing significance
22
Q
What is the women’s movement?
A
Made up of various individuals and groups which are concerned to advance the position of women in society
23
Q
What are the sub focuses of the women’s movement?
A
Provision of child care, equal pay, protection of part time employers and abortion rights
24
Q
What is the history of social movements in the 19th century?
A
They were concerned with issues such as harsh working conditions to improve workers rights and urged governments to introduce changes
25
When have new social movements emerged from?
The 1960’s
26
How are new social movements different than in the past?
In that they deal with a new range of issues and are much less willing to be absorbed into the established political system
27
What are members of the new social movements like ?
Provide radical critiques of society and institutions and are interested in finding different ways of organising political activity
28
How are pressure groups different to social movements in how they want change?
Unlike social movements that want fundamental change to the status quo, pressure groups may want to see a substantial change in in public policy but are more likely to support the existing political and social framework in society
29
How are new social movements less structured and cohesive than pressure groups?
They have a core group that provides general direction and a loosely organised network of widespread supporters
30
What do new social movements activities arise from?
Grass roots level to national crusades
31
What are Stewart’s two classifications or pressure groups in 1958?
Protective groups and promotional groups
32
What are protective groups?
Self interested bodies that seek selective benefits and offer services to their members
33
How are many protective groups represented?
In peak or Umbrella organisations - bring together within one organisation a whole range of other bodies and speak on their behalf
34
What’s an example of an umbrella protective group ?
British retail Consortium which represents the interests of 11,000 stores
35
How are trade unions the vat known protective group?
They exist to represent the interests of organised working people by improving their wages and working conditions- they have a closed membership
36
How is the national farmers union one of the most effective protective groups?
Represents British farmers and it’s views are listened to in Whitehall
37
What are promotional groups?
They are selfless groups that are open to all sections of the community and have more general benefits not necessarily to the members
38
What is the life span like of promotional groups and why?
They have a short life span, disappearing once their cause has been appropriately tackled
39
What is an example of a promotional group?
Snowdrop with dunblaine shooting 1996
40
How are promotional groups defined by the cause or idea they represent?
RSPCA is concerned with welfare of animal and FoE urges greater environmental awareness
41
How are protective groups more successful than promotional ones?
They are traditionally stronger, better organised and resourced with promotional groups operating with limited funds with few full time staff
42
How are there some hybrid groups?
RADAR defends the interests of its members who are disabled, but works for the general betterment of all disabled people
43
What’s a protective group that directly pursues causes?
The BMA engages in campaigning on general health issues such as diet and smoking, although it exists to defend professionals in the field
44
What are grants classification of pressure groups from the 1980’s?
Insider and outsider groups
45
What does grant say about his typology or pressure groups?
“One needs to look not just at the behaviour of the groups but also but also at the behaviour of government”
46
What status do protective and promotional groups tend to have?
Protective groups tend to have insider status and promotional groups outsider ones
47
What are exceptions of promotional groups that have insider status?
The Howard League for Penal Reform and the RSPB
48
How is the distinction not clear cut between insider and outsider status with FoE?
They have shifted towards more dialogue with government and business, whilst maintaining direct action activities that attract money and popular support
49
What type of action is compatible with insider status?
Peaceful public demonstrations and letter writing campaigns , violent action isn’t
50
How do more groups have insider status than grant originally suggested?
Many groups are consulted by government but their influence may be marginal.
51
How is the distinction less valid today because new forms of politics have arisen in the 1990’s?
There’s more middle class involvement in issues such as animal welfare with more arenas than before (EU)
52
How does it depend on government in power if a group is an insider group?
Thatcher and Blair didn’t like pressure groups “serpents that strangle efficient government”
53
What are the three main access points for pressure groups influence?
The executive, the legislature and public opinion with the media
54
What normally targets the executive branch?
Protective/ interest groups
55
How do lobbyists have contact with the executive?
Have contact with senior officials in the various departments
56
What sort of issues do higher civil servants make decisions on?
Technical and less important decisions
57
On major issues where do pressure groups offer advice to?
The Secretary of State, political head of government department eg Priti Patel and Gavin Williamson
58
What is the mutual relationship between the executive and the pressure groups?
Executive can get technical information and advice and the groups learn the departments current thinking and get bills drawn up
59
One a group has been asked for its views what tends to happen in the future?
They are the forerunner of similar contacts in the future
60
How is there contact between group spokespersons and government?
They serve on government-established committees, benefit from circulation of government documents and informal consultation
61
How are the NFU likely to operate with the executive?
It values its consultative status in Whitehall and likes to operate behind closed doors. Only when a row breaks out do they turn to public methods
62
What are examples of pressure groups that are insider?
CBI & BRC
63
Why do pressure groups lobby the legislature( MP’s and peers)?
It can influence public policy
64
What did Michael rush’s study in 1990 reveal?
75% of groups claimed to be in regular contact with MP’s and more than half with the Lords
65
Why has there been more of a trend to lobbying the legislature since the 1980’s?
Growth of the select committee system as another target of influence alongside Thatcher, Major and some extent of Blair government having some reservations about pressure groups influence
66
What is it good for pressure groups to work on if the government has a large majority?
Sometimes it’s more productive for them to work on back-benchers in hope of persuading them to oppose what ministers are trying to get through the house
67
What can elected representatives be willing to put forward?
A private members bill
68
How do pressure groups target private members bills ?
Mps who draw a high position in the annual ballot early in each session of parliament find themselves contacted by campaigners who want to persuade them to open a measure relating to their cause
69
What act was introduced as a private members bill?
Abortion act 1967 David steel
70
What does the aims for freedom and enterprise, an established organisations that crusaders against nationalism employ?
Background campaigns to create a favourable impression for a cause over a period of time
71
What is a dramatic fire brigade campaign?
Quickly rally support and get MP’s and government ministers to take notice
72
What is a famous campaign that used the blitz approach?
Snowdrop campaign 1996-97 which disbanded once the issue was resolved
73
What has television provided for pressure groups?
Opportunities for publicity
74
What are examples of pressure groups that have provided direct action in publicity?
Greenham Common anti-cruise missile protest of the early 1980’s attracted some attention and campaigns against the M3 extension at Twyford Down
75
What are more recent campaigns that have been publicised?
Fathers4Justice and Plans Stupid
76
What pressure groups have made success through the access point of courts?
Equal Opportunities Commission and Greenpeace have won considerable victories
77
How have the countryside alliance used the judicial route?
An attempt to delay the implementation of the ban on fox hunting, claiming that it was a denial of members rights under the European Convention
78
How do pressure groups use access points at a local level?
Some councils have encouraged participation via consultation exercises, creating forums and joint committees or holding public meetings
79
How have nimby groups mushroomed?
They regularly use media oriented tactics in their campaigning to try to block some development of which they approve
80
How have pressure groups spread out since 1999?
Due to devolution, they concentrate much of their attention on the Scottish Parliament and executive
81
How have UK groups developed their distribution of pressure groups?
Several UK groups have separate Scottish branches in order to lobby more effectively
82
What has the presence of Labour and the Liberal Democrat’s in office between 1990 and 2009 encouraged?
A close relationship because there is some movement of personnel between social group activists and the two broadly progressive parties
83
What do committees engage in at a devolved level?
Consultations in a bid to discover public opinion on a wide range of issues prior to proposed legislation
84
How are groups involved in an international level?
Groups in contact with the United Nations, UN related bodies such as the world bank and G8 as well as representatives overseas governments
85
From when did some groups see the need to lobby European institutions?
In 1973 eg NFU were first off the mark
86
What groups in particular have targeted there campaigning to British membership of the EU?
FoE, Greenpeace and RSPCA
87
Why does some regulatory activity take place in Brussels and in Whitehall?
Many decisions affecting key areas of our national life are now made in Brussels from the European Commission
88
What is a key topic that has been addressed by the European Commission?
Outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy a few years ago
89
What was introduced in 1986 that was a concern to many group campaigners?
Creation of the single market
90
How some some groups accessed the use of the European Court of Justice?
MEP’s and their party groupings alongside committees of the Strasbourg parliament
91
How can membership be a good resource for pressure groups to be successful?
It’s density, does it speak for most people in the industry or profession and the size of its activist base
92
How can leadership and staffing be a good resource for pressure groups to be successful?
They are well led with charismatic, creative and energetic leaders being supported by an efficient staff
93
How is esteem a good resource for pressure groups to be successful?
Professional groups have high social status eg doctors are less criticised than unions. Release, representing drug addicts , lack strong appeal
94
How is funding a resource for pressure groups to be successful?
Money helps groups internally and exercise influence externally. - enables expenditure for quality leadership, creation of a favourable image and generously staffing
95
How is organisation a resource that can make pressure groups successful?
Protective groups can afford generous staffing but promotional groups cannot and can be well run by a small, highly centralised and professional command structure
96
What’s an example of a highly organised pressure group?
The RSPB
97
How can public support be a resource that makes pressure groups successful?
Groups who have campaigns in tune with the popular mood have a considerable advantage
98
How is the ability to make strategic alliance make pressure groups successful?
Some groups supplement their own resources by forming alliances eg social movements
99
How does relationship with the government make pressure group successful?
Insider groups eg SHELTER was involved in drawing up the Homelessness Act 2002
100
What pressure groups provide information to Whitehall for policy makers?
The BMA, the NFU, RSPB
101
How is political climate important for pressure group success?
Some have goals compatible with the aims and outlook of the ruling party eg Labour administration and unions and Conservatives to big businesses
102
How does majority in the political climate affect how successful a pressure group is?
Labour governments 1974-79 lacked dominance and pressure groups can thrive and in dominant majority like Thatcher and Blair means they can resist pressure group influence “ serpents that strangle efficient government”
103
What did Baggott say about pressure group?
Describes anti- group philosophy “ we should resist the tyranny of pressure groups”
104
How is timing and election victories important to the political climate?
Governments are more willing to make tough decisions after an election victory . In the last year of office the government tends to be more sympathetic to groups
105
What did labour be more willing to solve in 2004-5?
Abolition of hunting with hounds / they delayed the decisive action till now
106
How do some groups have a very powerful position in the economy?
Miners were in a bargaining position in the 1970’s when oil supplies were in short demand following quintuple game proved by the OPEC countries
107
How did thatcher deal with the miners strike if 1984-85?
Ministers were prepare and oil stocks are ample which seriously weakened the position of the NUM and it’s leaders
108
What sort of groups don’t make a difference when withdrawing cooperation or going on strike?
Homeless, lone parents or ex-prisoners
109
Who developed the pluralist model and in what year?
David Truman in the US in 1951
110
What, relating to society, are the reasons why pluralist groups benefitted the political system?
Their concerns reflect those of ordinary people, provide informed views and specialist enterprise to government and allowed minority voices to be clearly advanced
111
What type of population does pluralism benefit?
Catered for representation of a heterogenous population, allowing the diverse views of ethnic and other groups to organise and be heard
112
What does pluralism prevent any single group from exercising?
Disproportionate influence because there were opportunities for countervailing groups to form and compete with
113
What is the main value of pluralism?
Power should be dispersed in society and diversity should be encouraged - stresses there are no barriers and no single group monopolises political resources
114
How do pluralist writers portray pressure groups ?
As having a beneficial impact on the political system. Far from posing any sort of threat and contribute to democracy
115
What does R. Hague and M. Harrop say about politics and pluralism?
Politics is seen as ‘a competition between a multitude of fresh organised interest groups... as new interests emerge, groups form to represent them. In pluralism, politics is a competitive market with few barriers to entry
116
What does corporatism mean ?
Bringing organised interests into the process of government and placing greater emphasis on the close links that exist between certain types of groups and the state in industrialised countries
117
How can the corporatism mean different things ?
It’s meaning can range from the institutionalised involvement of interest groups with the state or bargaining between the state,employers and employees- tripartism
118
How was corporatism used in 1960’s and 1970’s?
Governments in Britain sought to achieve agreement between employers and employees on prices of income policy
119
What political era was corporatism ripe through in Britain?
Lasted through period of Wilson (1966-70) and Heath (1970-74) and the era of Wilson/ Callaghan (1974-79)
120
Why do critics regard corporatism as a threat of representative democracy?
They dislike the way decisions are made behind closed doors, beyond the means of public scrutiny and democratic accountability and prefer more open governing arrangements
121
What does Hague and Harrop say about the pluralist versus corporatist approach?
‘Pluralist see society dominating the state: corporatists view the state as leading society”
122
When did the new right develop?
1970’s and 1980’s
123
What did supporters of the new right question?
The value of groups in democratic life, portraying them as sectional bodies primarily concerned with advancing their own interests rather than those in society at large
124
Why does new right supporters express alarm about the role and power of some groups ?
They noted the dominance of producer interests and their easy access to government
125
What does the new right think about pressure groups?
They distort the proper role of the Executive and Legislature and their influence over both branches of government made it more difficult for ministers and officials to resist the demands of consulted groups and act on the general good
126
What do Marxists believe?
They see control in society as being exercised by the ruling economic group that makes decisions to serve its own interests
127
What do Marxists think is unequal?
The distribution of power between employers and employees, pointing out that business interests exercise excessive influence
128
How is consulting representatives of pressure groups valuable by obtaining the view of members of the group?
Valuable in helping ministers develop plans for legislation and monitor success of measures that have passed into law
129
How is consulting representative of groups valuable as they can get technical information and advice?
Based on the knowledge and practical experience that members posses
130
How is consulting representatives of groups valuable to government by obtaining assistance in carrying out policy?
For example, farmers who are in a position to help ministers handle outbreaks such as BSE and foot and mouth disease
131
How do consulting with representatives of the groups valuable when ministers use such contact as a means of passing information to the people who will be the most interested
Grr oops become important avenues for communication between government and members of affected interests
132
What is the main reason for groups such as the RSPB and RSPCA being valued in Whitehall?
They provide knowledge and expertise
133
How do pressure groups benefit in return ?
They get to know about the departments current thinking and they try to influence its decisions to get legislation drawn up in line with their recommendations
134
How can contact with the government be formal and informal ?
It can involve serving on government established committees of enquiry and receiving government documents or might involve being in touch over phone email or discussion over lunch
135
How do business groups have an advantage in the 1960’s and 1970’s due to tripartism?
It became fashionable for leading business trade organisations and trade unions to work with representatives of government in the management of the economy
136
How was tripartism a means of making the government more consensual?
Each side contributes views and ministers sought to get agreement about what the economy could afford by the way the price rises and wage increases
137
How did the groups work together purely for sectional interest in tripartism?
All those involved were seeking to elevate interests above purely sectional concerns
138
Since the 1980’s what has been the approach of most of the governments?
Governments have increasingly moved to free market competition, with greater use of of competition and deregulation
139
What was the thatcher approach based on ?
Vigorous competition and more open markets , with government unwilling to step in and assist companies experiencing trading difficulties
140
What do policy networks describe?
The different kind of relationships between groups and the government and the range of players that exist in any particular sector
141
What is the relationship like between sectoral groupings?
They may be either close and continual (policy communities) or loose and wide( issue networks)
142
How did the policy communities fit well with Grants classification of insider and outsider groups?
Most cases revolve around insider topics such as food and drink policy, technical education and water privatisation which makes the dialogue between groups and governments very important
143
In the past vs the present how was agricultural policy addressed ?
In the past - policy made in Whitehall between representatives of the NFU and ministry of agriculture now- DEFRA meet with EU civil servants, NFU, other pressure groups, food manufacturers, academic and research specialists and consumer organisations
144
In early studies of pressure groups activity what was the view of pressure group success?
‘Least noise equals most success’ - large protective groups operated behind the scenes in meetings in government departments such as NFU
145
What was the view towards the influence of noisy campaigns?
They have little influence on ministers
146
Since the 1980’s how has the view to pressure group success changed ?
More attention has been paid to pressure groups who mobilise public support eg NFU utilising Farmers for Action
147
How has campaigning become easier due to the media?
Development of advertising and marketing techniques has made them more appealing alongside television providing more publicity
148
What type of groups are more likely to use public campaigns to gain support?
Promotional groups
149
What’s an example of insider groups using the media?
Well resources groups such as the BMA may be able to fund poster advertisements and press advertising- for most groups this would drain finances
150
What is an example of a campaign that gained widespread support in 2004-5?
Make poverty history drew attention to the plight of the worlds poor and the African continent
151
What is the quote Baggott uses in 1995 to describe the way surfers for sewage use the media?
The group has been successful in ‘highlighting the pollution of beaches and coastal waters by attracting media attention’
152
What did surfers against sewage do?
Activists wear wetsuits and gas masks surfing in sewage ridden waters riding in brown inflatable dinghies
153
How have campaigns like Friends of the Earth used media targeting?
Media targeting and mass mailing have increased the reach to pressure groups and people with the common concern
154
What does grant say when referring to BBC radio 4 serial, the archers ?
Their writers and and producers have regularly been the object of campaigners concerned about alleged moral decline and farming practices in the fictional village of Ambridge
155
What triggered the save the valley campaign in the 1980’s?
After serious financial problems, Charlton Athletic FC no longer owned it’s ground which was in need of costly renovation
156
Why did supporters not like sharing facilities with Crystal Palace?
Driving 10 miles across London to get to a home game
157
For two seasons what weekly chant did supporters say?
“ we should have stayed in the valley”
158
What did the save the valley campaign do in 1987?
Directors returned to their home area and repurchased the Valley with a view of building a new ground there- they formed a political party , the valley party and competed in the election campaign at local elections
159
How did the save the valley campaign gain attention in most of April 1990( 1 month before the election)?
Canvassers used door stepping and leaflets. The local paper backed them. An extensive poster campaign was undertaken and 35 sites were booked
160
How was media coverage the most important part of the success for the save the valley campaign?
Although funds were limited they were able to attract national coverage on a local issue - at the press conference to launch campaign and in items on Thames news, Newsnight and LBC capital radio
161
What and how generated media coverage?
Advertising - helped recruit 60 citizens who in the space of a couple of months became a potential political force in the Borough
162
How long have trade unions employed direct action?
Last 200 years or more
163
What is direct action?
Allude to any attempt to coerce those in authority into changing their viewpoint eg homeless might occupy council office until they are housed?
164
What is the scale of direct action like?
Activities involve breaking the law, which may be passive or violent
165
Today what is the meaning of the term direct action?
Action taken outside the constitutional and legal framework
166
How does Baggott describe direct action in 1995?
When a group’ takes matters into its own hands, rather than relying on established methods of decision making, to resolve a problem’
167
What is an example of militant direct action?
Those seeki the vote for women at the beginning of the 20th century, who organised themselves into the Tax Resistance League (‘no taxation without representation’)
168
What’s the extreme end of the violent direct action spectrum ?
Hijackers and terrorists
169
How have many promotional groups started to resort to direct action to persuade the government to use their ideas?
Publicity at protest or demonstration through cameras,
170
What is the reason for growth since the 1980’s of direct action?
There’s been a huge concern for the environment which has triggered mass activity eg Friends of the Earth has training and Earth First! Used ecotage
171
In the Conservative years why was big groups such as trade unions finding themes levels distanced?
There was limited opportunities for consultation
172
What was direct action like in the Labour government of 1997?
Developing disillusion was part of many campaigners - public campaigning increased because of widespread expectations that has been unleashed by the arrive of office of a ‘progressive government’
173
Who are among the ranks of the disillusioned ?
Environmentalists and civil libertarians
174
What does peter Melchett, formerly prominent in Greenpeace say about direct action?
Direct action doesn’t just highlight issues ; it simplifies highly complex subjects. It cuts through the jargon, mystery and bureaucracy, and it demands a straight answer
175
What are examples of campaigns that have n in creased use of popular protests in recent years?
Many groups plan a programme of activities over many months (Make poverty history and the countryside alliance)
176
What programme is activities have erupted on the political scene?
Fuel protests of 2000 and 2005
177
What are the four common factors of recent popular movements ?
Emerge abruptly, based on issues that have an emotional response, use direct action to draw attention to their demands and get a swift government response if carefully managed
178
How can movements have features of both promotional and protective groups?
They represent the private interests of those whose lifestyle is being threatened (Snowdrop) yet the campaign quickly develops into a wider crusade for action
179
What is the argument for popular movements being beneficial to democracy ?
They mobilise interest and encourage participation of those who otherwise may remain uninvolved and illustrate that ordinary people can have an impact on government
180
How can direct action through popular movements be viewed to endanger democracy?
If their grievances aren’t addressed there will be serious consequences for those in authority, possible mass punishment at the ballot box
181
Yes! Pressure groups are good for democracy : how do pressure groups allow people to hand together and express their views?
In a pluralist society pressure groups are seen at the heart of the process. Their existence allows individuals to associate with one another and proclaim their views, providing safety
182
Yes! Pressure groups are good for democracy : how do pressure groups act as a defence for minority interests, especially those connected with parties not in government?
Important for ethnic and gender minorities alongside other disadvantaged groups- allows them to express their point of view or any resentment about their treatment and outline options to overcome these obstacles
183
Yes! Pressure groups are good for democracy : how do pressure groups encourage wider participation in public life and the decision making process ?
Many people only participate at general election every 4/5 years so via groups they can participate and make contributions more- some might be mine pattionate enough to for example stand as a candidate at election
184
How do pressure groups act as a better link between the people and those who govern themselves than political parties?
Groups provide an a outlet for people with little interest in part politics- sometimes raise items for discussions that fall outside the realm of policy and don’t tend to get in manifestos
185
How do pressure groups act as a valuable check upon those who exercise political power?
Even governments with a large majority eg 1997 and 2001 can be vulnerable to probing activities of lobbyists who publicise information
186
How do pressure groups provide valuable information to government departments based upon their specialist knowledge of their field?
Key interest groups such as the CBI and BMA have affect because the government knows this group represents a large bulk of people eg NFU voice is representative
187
How do pressure groups endanger democracy due to their sectional interest?
Governments have to govern in national interest however most groups only represent their own interests eg NFU
188
How do pressure groups endanger democracy due to the better resourced and organised are at an advantage?
Not all sections of the community are equally capable of exerting influence.
189
How do pressure groups endanger democracy due to too much going on in secret, with lobbying carried out behind closed doors?
Insider groups bargain with Whitehall departments. There’s fear that too many MP’s are beholden to outside groups and business commitments
190
How do pressure groups endanger democracy due to their leadership being unrepresentative of the views of the membership?
Leaders may achieve domination- this was the case with a number of unions before a change of law forced them to hold elections for the post of General Secretary
191
How do pressure groups endanger democracy due to using threatening methods?
Some NGO’s dislike to use pressure in their name due to some unions being able to threaten the country by withdrawing their labour
192
How do pressure groups slow down decision making and acting as a barrier to social progress?
As Home Secretary, David Blunkett Charles Clarke and John Reid have all get frustrated by the way in which the civil liberties lobby has been a thorn in their flesh as they tried to introduce legislation on asylum seekers and prevention of terrorism
