Pressure Groups (Definitions) Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Pressure Groups (Definitions) Deck (16)
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1
Q

Pluralism

A

Theory that suggests political power in a society is distributed amongst a number of groups representing widely different interests within society

2
Q

Elitism

A

Theory that suggests political power rests with a small group of wealth and high-status

3
Q

Who is known for shaping the theory of elitism

A

Robert Dahl

4
Q

Pressure Group

A

Organised interest group that seeks to influence lawmakers to benefit their cause, rather than to seek election

5
Q

Institutional pressure groups

A

Represent other organisations and groips

6
Q

Membership pressure groups

A

Represent individual Americans

7
Q

Single issue group

A

Type of membership group that pursues one specific interest or policy

8
Q

Functions of pressure groups

A

Representation, participation, education, agenda building, programme monitoring

9
Q

Reasons for joining pressure groups

A

Material benefits, purposive benefits (make world a better place), solidarity benefits (social benefit from interacting with like-minded people)

10
Q

Political Action Committees (PACs)

A

Pressure groups that collect money from members to give to candidates and parties that support their interests

11
Q

Lobbying

A

Attempt to exert influence on legislative or judicial process by individuals/ groups

12
Q

Access points

A

Points in governmental and political system at which pressure groups can gain access to decision making process

13
Q

Revolving door syndrome

A

Former members of congress or executive take up jobs at Washington-based lobbying firms and use their contacts to lobby congress or the executive

14
Q

Iron triangle

A

Strong relationship between a pressure group, relevant congressional committee and government department. Policy benefits for these three groups, rather than general public

15
Q

Direct Action

A

Form of pressure group activity that favours peaceful or violent physical protest over traditional emailing and petitions

16
Q

Factors leading to pressure group success

A

Effective organisation/ leadership, wealth, large membership, effectiveness of opposition and achievability of group’s goal