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Comparing Pressure Groups - Coggle Diagram
Comparing Pressure Groups
Structural
Important structural differences between the political systems in the UK and US explain many differences in the way pressure groups operate in the two countries.
More access points in the US
There are many more pressure groups in the USA, campaigning at federal and state level
Separation of powers
Allows Congress to act more independently of government than the UK, so UK pressure groups focus more on lobbying the executive. US pressure groups are more able to influence politics by lobbying the legislature.
UK lobbyists started focusing on the Lords are there are many cross-benchers and under less control fo the party whips.
Unlimited US election spending
The UK’s spending is restrictive. More money is spent in US, generally having more influence on members of the legislature than UK. Spending leads to the formation of Iron Triangles.
More powerful Supreme Court in the US
As the Consitution is sovereign, legal challenges are a more prominent method of pressure groups in the US.
Weaker trade unions in US
Workers’ rights are better protected in the UK, as successive governments have faced sustained pressure from unions, and Labour governemnts have been party funded by union.
Rational
Lobbying
Repsonse varies between countries.
Members of Congress more likely to be influenced by lobbying as they may hope for the support of pressure groups during election campaigns.
Tight UK finance laws and stronger party whip systems means MPs are less likely to be influenced.
The revolving door exists for both countries as former legislators, ministers and governemnt staff seek to monetise their contracts and experience by working for private lobbying firms.
Political Alliances
Unions help fund Labour and the Democrats, sharing many political objectives.
These governemnts allow unions more influence.
Parties favour pressure groups who align ideas with their voters.
Direct Action
Seen as tactic of last resort.
Insider groups working with government to influence policy, whereas direct action risks alienating the government, even if successful in attracting media attention.
Outsider groups denied the opportunity to engage with the government may feel forced to use direct action in order to put their issue on the political agenda
Insider groups who cannot convince the government may also pursue direct action
BMA calling junior doctors’ strike over pay.
Cultural
Both cultures prize pluralism, but in the USA, they are protected by the First Amendment. In the UK, charities cannot be cannot
Both criticised for elitism, because of the role plaeyd by wealthy pressure groups, more pronounced in the US.
Share culture of political protest using marches, direct action and demonstrations, marginalised groups using these methods to win civil rights.