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1.3 Pressure Groups and Other Influences - Coggle Diagram
1.3 Pressure Groups and Other Influences
Definitions
PRESSURE GROUPS:
An association or movement that campaigns either to further the interests of a section of society or to further a particular cause or issue
PLURALIST DEMOCRACY:
A type of democracy where decisions are made by a neutral government based on the interplay of ideas between groups of equal status
ELITISM:
A feature of society and the political system which suggests that some groups wield a considerable amount of influence, giving them an unfair advantage in political discussion
THINK TANKS:
A colloquial term which refers to a research organisation that produces information and opinions about policy issues
LOBBYISTS:
People employed by a client to influence the political process, particularly concerning legislation
Types of Pressure Groups
Are organised groups that seek to put pressure on those in power
Do not have any power themselves, but seek to influence those who do by:
• Working closely with them inside the political process - insider groups
• Organising campaigns against those in power from outside the political process - outsider groups
UNLIKE OTHER INFLUENCING GROUPS:
Pressure groups seek to
promote policies that will benefit their members
:
• either directly benefiting the members' interests - sectional groups, OR
• benefiting a cause the members believe in - causal groups
Pressure Group Methods & Factors in Success or Failure
SUCCESS
Promoting favourable legislation in Parliament
Preventing unfavourable legislation
Raising public awareness of an issue
Persuading the government to place an issue on the political agenda
(See 'Pressure Group' table for methods used by pressure groups & Success/Failure table for factors contributing to their success or otherwise)
Lobbyists
• Sometimes 'public relations' firms
• Are political advisers, hired by private interests to help them achieve their political goals
May be through:
• explaining how best to influence the political system
• arranging meetings between clients and political figures
• advocating on behalf of clients in a bid to influence legislation or government decisions - e.g: the awarding of a contract or implementation of key legislation
Usually people who have
previously worked in the political system
and
have expert knowledge
of the people and process of government
Useful in providing advice and information to the government
Are often criticised for promoting the interests of their clients over the interests of the nation
Key Examples
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Government Affairs (Services) Ltd
Media Intelligence Partners
Think Tanks
Do not have members
Do not represent interests other than their own
INSTEAD: Carry out academic research and
produce ideas in line with the aims of their foundation
May be neutral, e.g:
Think tanks linked to universities
OR
May be a clear agenda, e.g:
To promote free market or socialist ideas
Seek to influence government by persuading it of the merits of their views and arguments
Seek to offer policy ideas that the government can simply adopt and use
Key Examples
Adam Smith Institute
Centre for Social Justice
Fabian Society
Corporations
• Are major businesses that play a vital economic role in UK politics
AS A RESULT of their size, wealth and no. of people they employ: their opinions can be used to influence government policy by
• threatening to relocate to another country
• threatening to close down key sources of employment
• advising of potential consequences that may result from government action
= can lead to beneficial outcomes for the economy
BUT, corporations prioritise their own interests and profits ahead of the national interest, public will or a cause
^BECAUSE OF THIS, can be seen to undermine the democratic process
Key Examples
HSBC
Google
Starbucks