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Pressure Groups (Functions (Representing interests of different groups in…
Pressure Groups
Overview
An interest group is an organised group of individuals that make policy related appeals to government
Most have a membership. The greater the membership, the more political clout. The NRA has around 5 million members.
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Functions
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Citizen participation- they increase the opportunities for ordinary people to participate in the decision-making process between elections
Public educators- they educate public opinion on the dangers of ignoring dangerous issues. For instance Sierra Club publishes many articles about the dangers of global warming.
Agenda-building- they attempt to influence the political agenda of parties, legislators and bureaucracies. They will attempt to bring together different groups for a common issue.
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How they Operate
Electioneering and endorsement- pressure groups will often endorse specific candidates based on their key issue. The NRA endorsed Trump for president.
Lobbying- many groups have offices on K Street in Washington. Lobbyists provide policy makers with information and voting cues. They provide information to both congressmen and the bureaucracy which is known as the iron triangle.
Publicity- lobbying firms launch public relations campaigns to influence the policy-making process. There were adverts called 'Harry and Louise' against Clinton's healthcare reform from the Healthcare Insurance Association of America. It was effective and also utilised grassroots campaign.
Grassroots Campaign- such as postal blitzes on members of Congress, marches and demonstrations. An example is people writing to congressmen about net neutrality.
Ballot initiatives- pressure groups often have a say in initiatives. In 2008 same-sex marriage was banned due to a proposition and during this pressure groups spent around $82 million.
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