relevant influence of interest groups in the US and the UK Flashcards
how is Electioneering and endorsing seen in the UK
- Less elections than US, only every 5 years (except for the recent fixed terms act) for the UK = means less pressure groups can try and lobby/get their voice across
- metromayors/ police commisionsers = more access points than before
- ALSO HAD EU ELECTIONS = showed that Britiain attempted to have more influence
how is Electioneering and endorsing seen in the US
- Senate every 6 years
- House every 2 years
- President every 4 years
- Governors and a lot more overall elections in the US
State assemblies = far more access points - invisible primaries and caucuses
- REPORT CARDS = how people voted on specific matters
how is trade unions and businesses seen in the UK
-1979 = 13 million in the union, 2000 = 7 million, 2025 = under 6 million
- 29% of people are in unions today in 2025
- More politically influenced = more intertwined with LABOUR
- Half of labour MPs had links with trade union ’Unite’ = 2015
how is trade unions and businesses seen in the US
- High levels of incumbency -> pressure groups overwhelmingly give money to incumbents.
- Businesses gravitate to both the Republican and Democrat parties.
- 10% of people are in unions today 2025
how are interest groups and lobbying seen in the UK
- Focus of pressure group activity on the Lords; peers not whipped to toe the party line.
- Also focus on the executive branch e.g. specific government departments, cabinet etc.
- less likely to lobby the supreme court, all legislation constitutional.
how is interest groups and lobbying seen in the US
- Executive branch had little to no control over Congress; parties were less disciplined.
- Interest groups can lobby specific representatives, congressional committees
how is the judiciary in the US a important factor of lobbying for interest groups
amicus curiae briefs (friends of the courts) / bring up cases which help pressure groups get their point of view in the limelight/ ABA and their judicial appointments
how is interest grassroot activity seen in the UK
UK - Party whips mean that the party is more disciplined in following a collective point of view
US - Senators and representatives have the freedom to be able to change their opinion on a matter, meaning they don’t always have to choose the choice which best aligns with their political party’s leniency.
STRUCTURAL UK
- Devolution increases access points (local, devolved governments).
- Insider groups (e.g., BMA) have privileged access to decision-makers.
- Targeting national and local government for influence
CULTURAL UK
- Trade unions align with Labour Party.
- Focus on social issues (e.g., LGBTQ+ rights, environment).
- Less influential than in the US
RATIONAL UK
- Target government departments for influence.
- Former politicians join interest groups (e.g., Tony Blair with Zurich).
- Rational to seek access to decision-makers.
STRUCTURAL US
- Multiple access points at federal, state, and local levels.
- Fragmented Congress provides influence opportunities.
- Think tanks (e.g., Rand Group) influence policy.
CULTURAL US
- Unions linked to Democratic Party.
- Focus on issues like gun control, civil rights.
- Greater cultural significance due to First Amendment rights.
RATIONAL US
- Recruit former legislators for access.
- Target individual legislators in Congress.
- Former politicians join lobbying (e.g., Jim DeMint with Heritage Foundation)
