Pluralism
Theory that suggests political power in a society is distributed amongst a number of groups representing widely different interests within society
Elitism
Theory that suggests political power rests with a small group of wealth and high-status
Who is known for shaping the theory of elitism
Robert Dahl
Pressure Group
Organised interest group that seeks to influence lawmakers to benefit their cause, rather than to seek election
Institutional pressure groups
Represent other organisations and groips
Membership pressure groups
Represent individual Americans
Single issue group
Type of membership group that pursues one specific interest or policy
Functions of pressure groups
Representation, participation, education, agenda building, programme monitoring
Reasons for joining pressure groups
Material benefits, purposive benefits (make world a better place), solidarity benefits (social benefit from interacting with like-minded people)
Political Action Committees (PACs)
Pressure groups that collect money from members to give to candidates and parties that support their interests
Lobbying
Attempt to exert influence on legislative or judicial process by individuals/ groups
Access points
Points in governmental and political system at which pressure groups can gain access to decision making process
Revolving door syndrome
Former members of congress or executive take up jobs at Washington-based lobbying firms and use their contacts to lobby congress or the executive
Iron triangle
Strong relationship between a pressure group, relevant congressional committee and government department. Policy benefits for these three groups, rather than general public
Direct Action
Form of pressure group activity that favours peaceful or violent physical protest over traditional emailing and petitions
Factors leading to pressure group success
Effective organisation/ leadership, wealth, large membership, effectiveness of opposition and achievability of group’s goal
