Pressure Groups & Other Influences
Definitions.
A pressure group is an organised group of people that aims to influence the policies or actions of government.
Pressure groups have three key features:
- They seek to exert influence from outside, meaning they don’t try to win political power in the same way as a party
- Typically have a ‘narrow issue’ focus, for example, environmental issues, or (even more specific) opposing the building of an airport runway. Parties have much more of a broad focus in many policy areas
- Members are united by a shared belief or common set of interests. Parties, on the other hand, are united by, broadly, an ideological viewpoint
Types of pressure groups
Pressure groups can be categorised in a few ways, and can belong to more than one ‘category’.
They could be:
Interest groups: these are also known as sectional groups, because they represent a certain ‘section’ of society, for example, trade unions. Membership is linked to a particular occupation or part of society. Examples are the National Union of Teachers, the Confederation of British Industry, and the British Medical Association.
Cause groups: these are also known as promotional groups, because they seek to promote a particular cause, for example, charities and environmental groups. Anyone can join these groups, unlike sectional groups. Examples are Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the Electoral Reform Society.
Social movements: similar to a cause group, but lacking a formal structure. They are usually politically radical and aim to achieve a single objective.
Insider groups: these are groups regularly consulted by the government, with regular access to government ministers. The CBI is an example of this. Insider groups can be high or low profile. These groups tend to have influence because their aims are broadly in line with the government’s views. This is good due to the close access the groups have to government, but it can restrict the types of activities they would adopt.
Outsider groups: __ __these are groups with no links or access to government. They have to use other ways to have an impact, for example using the media or trying to influence public opinion. Examples include groups such as the Animal Liberation Front. Such groups may purposefully choose to be outsiders (due to their radicalism) or simply be denied access to government. The status of being an insider or outsider is more of a sliding scale than a binary classification. Outsider groups are often more well-known than insiders, due to the attention-grabbing tactics they use.
How do pressure groups exert influence?
Pressure groups attempt to exert influence in a number of ways. This will depend on how much access they have to government.
Ministers/civil servants: insider groups are involved in consultations with government officials. Ministers will use the knowledge and expertise of the group to formulate policy and to assess the potential impact of policy. Groups such as the CBI and BMA will often consult with ministers for these purposes.
Parliament: some groups exert influence through Parliament, through lobbying MPs, for example. Groups will write to MPs asking them to raise issues in Parliament or to initiate private members’ bills. Groups without direct access to ministers will often use this method.
Political Parties: some groups try to develop links with political parties. The link between the trade unions and the Labour Party is the best example of this. Trade unions provide substantial funding to the Labour Party, and in return, they have an influence on not only policy but also the election of the party leader, as many of the votes for leader historically came from trade union members. This influence was shown in __2010 __when Ed Miliband surprisingly defeated his brother David to become the leader. A large chunk of his votes came from trade union members.
Public opinion: outsider groups tend to try to influence public opinion in order to indirectly influence government policy. If enough public support for a particular issue is garnered, this will pressurise the government into taking action on the issue, as there may be electoral consequences if they don’t. This is seen in recent years through the organising of public protests against student tuition fees and cuts to the welfare budget. Public opinion can also be swayed by groups through appealing to certain people, for example, professionals in a certain field and journalists, who then may put pressure on the government to act.
Direct action: this includes measures such as strikes, blockades and boycotts, and is designed to disrupt the running of the country. Civil disobedience is also an element of this- breaking the law for what is seen as a justified, moral purpose. These actions are designed to pressurise the government into acting. Examples include anti-war campaigner Brian Haw protesting outside of Parliament for five years from 2001 .
The courts: some groups seek to influence through legal means. These are attempts to challenge government policy on legal grounds, through the use of judicial review. Even if unsuccessful, the challenges can gain publicity for the group’s cause. For example, opponents of the proposed high-speed rail link (HS2) took their argument to the Supreme Court in 2014 .
The above tactics are not just used by pressure groups in the traditional sense. Wealthy multinational corporations (and individuals), academic bodies, research groups and think tanks (groups formed to discuss and develop policy recommendations and proposals) will also attempt to influence government in similar ways.
Functions of pressure groups
Pressure groups provide a form of representation in the UK political system- they represent the interests of a particular group of people or represent the views on a particular issue. They are also a method of political participation. 40-50% of the UK population is a member of at least one pressure group. There have been some concerns raised however that many people join a group without actually actively participating much- this is known as the ‘chequebook group’ idea. Pressure groups also educate the public through raising awareness of the issues they campaign on. Finally, pressure groups are sometimes involved in policy formulation and implementation, through being insider groups. For example, the National Farmers’ Union works with the Department for Rural Affairs to implement policies relating to farming and agriculture.
Pressure Groups in A Level Politics – definition, types and examples
What are pressure groups? In the dynamic landscape of UK politics, various groups look to influence decision-making and policy formulation. One of these players in the political system is pressure groups, which look to represent specific groups of people outside of formal representation. From championing causes to advocating for specific sections of the population, pressure groups are integral to the democratic process. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of pressure groups and their impact on the UK political scene.
Cause Groups: Advocating for Ideals
Cause groups, also known as single-issue groups, are pressure groups formed around a particular cause, principle, or belief. These groups are driven by a shared vision for change and often seek to raise awareness and influence public opinion on their chosen issue.
A prominent example is Greenpeace, which campaigns for environmental protection and sustainable practices. Cause groups rely on public support and media coverage to amplify their message and generate momentum for their cause. They use a range of methods to influence change, including through lobbying, using social media and protesting.
Sectional Groups: Voicing Specific Interests
Sectional pressure groups, on the other hand, focus on representing the interests of a particular section of society, such as workers, professionals, or ethnic communities. These groups aim to secure tangible benefits or protections for their members.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) is a group that advocates for better working conditions and pay for railway workers and others in the UK’s transport network. They have risen to prominence in recent years as a result of their leader, Mick Lynch, and have staged over 50 days of strike action between 2022 and 2023.
The most common method used is strike action; by withdrawing their labour, they hope to demonstrate their importance within society and thus receive the benefits they are fighting for.
Social Movements: A Collective Voice for Change
Social movements encompass a broader scope of activism and often involve mass participation to bring about social, political, or cultural change. While not all social movements are pressure groups, many do exert pressure on authorities to address their grievances. An illustrative instance is the women’s suffrage movement, which fought for women’s voting rights. The power of social movements lies in their ability to reshape societal norms and challenge established power structures.
Insider Pressure Groups: Navigating the Halls of Power
Insider groups, also known as interest groups, are organizations that have regular access to policymakers and government officials. They aim to influence policy decisions by engaging in direct consultation and negotiation. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is a notable example of an insider group advocating for the interests of businesses and industries.
Insider groups can often provide expert advice and contribute to the policymaking process. Their methods are far more formal than outsider groups, as they are able to speak to politicians who can directly make changes for their members.
Outsider Pressure Groups: Pressuring from the Periphery
Outsider pressure groups, as the name suggests, lack regular access to policymakers and resort to more unconventional methods to exert pressure. These methods might include public protests, demonstrations, and awareness campaigns.
Outsider groups look to disrupt the status quo and draw attention to issues that might not receive immediate consideration. Extinction Rebellion, a movement focused on addressing the climate crisis, is a prime illustration of an outsider group. They use radical tactics, such as glueing themselves to roads and spray painting buildings.
Conclusion: What are pressure groups?
In conclusion, pressure groups are vital components of the UK political landscape, serving as conduits for diverse voices and concerns. Whether through cause groups advocating for change, sectional groups championing specific interests, or social movements driving societal transformation, these groups play a role in shaping policies and influencing public discourse.
Insider groups provide expert insights to policymakers, while outsider groups bring attention to neglected issues. Understanding the distinct roles of these pressure group categories is essential for comprehending the multifaceted nature of UK democracy and governance.
You can find out more about the methods used by pressure groups, and some case studies for your essays, as part of our UK Politics course .
Table of Contents
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Types of Pressure Group
Pressure groups.
Pressure groups are organised groups of individuals brought together for the purpose of fulfilling a specific goal, or because of a common cause.
How pressure groups work
- Pressure groups aim to influence policies and political decisions or change public attitudes without looking to gain political office.
- Pressure groups have a narrowly focused aim or goal which is shared with all pressure group members.
Insider and Outsider Groups
Pressure groups can work inside the political system or put pressure on political players from the outside
Insider groups
- Insider pressure groups have regular contact with decision makers and so are able to work ‘inside’ the political system.
- Insider groups are often consulted on specific policy issues by government departments, MPs, political parties and committees.
Privileged insider group access
- Insider group privileged access may be based on the view that they are regarded as more moderate than other types of pressure group.
- Insider groups need to be careful to keep the government on their side, so tend not to make extreme demands.
- Insider group methods of influence involve working closely with those in the political system rather than more extreme methods such as direct action.
Examples of insider groups
- NICE (National Institute for Health Care and Excellence) work with the government to create policy around healthcare and the NHS.
- Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the National Farmers Union (NFU) are both regularly consulted by the government.
- The TaxPayers’ Alliance has close links to the Conservative party.
Outsider groups
- Outsider pressure groups are not consulted by the government, do not have direct and regular contact with decision makers and do not operate through influencing those within the political system.
- Outsider pressure groups aim to gain the support of public opinion.
- Outsider pressure groups undertake methods of influencing policy which involve working ‘outside’ the political system.
- "Potential" insiders may aim to work inside the political system.
Examples of outsider groups
- Fathers4Justice campaign for fathers to have equal rights after separation.
- Occupy Movement campaign for a balance between executive and worker pay.
- Amnesty International is an example of a potential outsider group.
Sectional and promotional groups
Groups may target issues in different ways. Sectional groups only target the interests of a certain section of society, and promotional groups target single issues.
Sectional groups
- Sectional groups represent a specific section of society.
- Sectional groups do not campaign for broader issues.
- Sectional groups are concerned with protecting and advancing the interests of their members.
Examples of sectional groups
- House Builders Federation represents the voice of the house building industry
- British Medical Association represents 160,000 doctors.
Promotional groups
- Promotional or Cause groups have a single issue which they are concerned with promoting.
- Promotional groups promote ideas that don’t directly benefit their members but which they believe will benefit the public in general.
- Promotional groups are more inclusive because they aim to create a large membership base.
Examples of promotional groups
- Stop HS2 want to stop the building of the second high-speed rail line in the UK.
- Greenpeace wish to end destruction of the environment.
- Mediawatch-UK want to promote "family values in the media".
1 Democracy & Participation
1.1 Representative & Direct Democracy
1.1.1 Direct Democracy
1.1.2 Pros & Cons of Direct Democracy
1.1.3 Representative Democracy
1.1.4 Pros & Cons of Representative Democracy
1.1.5 Comparing Types of Democracy
1.1.6 Case for Democratic Reform
1.1.7 End of Topic Test - Types of Democracy
1.1.8 Top Grade AO3/4 - Types of Democracy
1.2 Wider Franchise & Suffrage
1.2.1 History of the UK Franchise
1.2.2 Campaigns for Suffrage
1.2.3 End of Topic Test - Franchise & Suffrage
1.3 Pressure Groups & Other Influences
1.3.1 Types of Pressure Group
1.3.2 Functions of Pressure Groups
1.3.3 How Pressure Groups Influence
1.3.4 Case-Study Examples
1.3.5 Other Collective Orgs & Groups
1.3.6 End of Topic Test - Pressure Groups & Influences
1.3.7 Application Questions - Pressure Groups
1.4 Rights in Context
1.4.1 Development of Rights in the UK
1.4.2 The UK's Rights-Based Culture
1.4.3 End of Topic Test - Rights in Context
2 Political Parties
2.1 How Political Parties Work
2.1.1 Functions & Features of UK Political Parties
2.1.2 Funding of UK Political Parties
2.1.3 UK Funding Reform
2.1.4 End of Topic Test - Political Parties
2.1.5 Top Grade AO3/4 - Political Parties
2.2 Established Political Parties
2.2.1 The Conservative Party: History
2.2.2 The Conservative Party: Recent Leaders
2.2.3 The Labour Party
2.2.4 The Liberal Democrat Party
2.2.5 Ideas & Policies of UK Parties
2.2.6 End of Topic Test - Established Parties
2.2.7 Application Questions - Established Parties
2.3 Emerging & Minor Political Parties
2.3.1 Minority Parties
2.3.2 Minority Parties Case Studies
2.3.3 End of Topic Test - Minor Parties
2.4 UK Political Parties in Context
2.4.1 Different Party Systems
2.4.2 Political Spectrum
2.4.3 Factors Affecting Party Success
2.4.4 End of Topic Test - Parties in Context
2.4.5 Application Questions - Parties in Context
3 Electoral Systems
3.1 Different Electoral Systems
3.1.1 FPTP & STV
3.1.2 AMS & SV
3.1.3 End of Topic Test - Electoral Systems
3.1.4 Top Grade AO3/4 - Electoral Systems
3.2 Referendums & How They Are Used
3.2.1 Case For & Against Referendums
3.2.2 End of Topic Test - Referendums
3.2.3 A-A* (AO3/4) - Referendums
3.3 Electoral System Analysis
3.3.1 Electoral System Analysis
3.3.2 End of Topic Test - System Analysis
3.3.3 A-A* (AO3/4) - Electoral System Analysis
4 Voting Behaviour & the Media
4.1 General Election Case Studies
4.1.1 Case Studies of Elections
4.1.2 Factors Influencing Voting in Elections
4.1.3 End of Topic Test - Case Studies & Factors
4.1.4 A-A* (AO3/4) - Case Studies & Voting
4.2 Media Influence
4.2.1 Media Influence
4.2.2 End of Topic Test - Media Influence
5 Conservatism
5.1 Conservatism: Core Ideas & Principles
5.1.1 Pragmatism & Tradition
5.1.2 Human Imperfection & Organic Society/State
5.1.3 Authority & Hierarchy
5.1.4 Paternalism
5.1.5 Empiricism
5.1.6 Anti-Permissiveness
5.1.7 Radical Conservative Ideas
5.1.8 End of Topic Test - Core Conservatism
5.2 Conservatism: Differing Views & Tensions
5.2.1 Traditional Conservatism
5.2.2 One-Nation Conservatism
5.2.3 New Right Conservatism
5.2.4 End of Topic Test - Different Views
5.3 Conservative Thinkers & Ideas
5.3.1 Thomas Hobbes & Edmund Burke
5.3.2 Michael Oakeshott & Ayn Rand
5.3.3 Robert Nozick
5.3.4 End of Topic Test - Conservative Thinkers
5.3.5 A-A* (AO3/4) - Conservatism
6 Liberalism
6.1 Liberalism: Core Ideas & Principles
6.1.1 Individualism & Freedom/Liberty
6.1.2 The State & Rationalism
6.1.3 Equality & Social Justice
6.1.4 Liberal Democracy
6.1.5 Other Important Liberal Ideas
6.1.6 End of Topic Test - Liberalism
6.2 Differing Views And Tensions Within Liberalism
6.2.1 Classical Liberalism
6.2.2 Modern Liberalism
6.2.3 End of Topic Test - Tensions & Views
6.3 Liberal Thinkers & Ideas
6.3.1 John Locke & Mary Wollstonecraft
6.3.2 John Stuart Mill & John Rawls
6.3.3 Betty Friedan
6.3.4 End of Topic Test - Thinkers & Ideas
6.3.5 A-A* - Liberalism
7 Socialism
7.1 Socialism: Core Ideas & Principles
7.1.1 Fraternity & Co-operation
7.1.2 Capitalism & Common Ownership
7.1.3 Communism
7.1.4 Collectivism
7.1.5 Common Humanity
7.1.6 Equality
7.1.7 Social Class & Workers' Control
7.1.8 End of Topic Test - Socialism
7.2 Differing Views And Tensions Within Socialism
7.2.1 Differing Views And Tensions
7.2.2 End of Topic Test - Views & Tensions
7.3 Socialist Thinkers and Their Ideas
7.3.1 Socialist Thinkers: Marx & Engels
7.3.2 Socialist Thinkers: Webb & Luxemburg
7.3.3 Socialist Thinkers: Crosland and Giddens
7.3.4 End of Topic Test - Thinkers & Ideas
7.3.5 A-A* (AO3/4) - Socialism
8 The UK Constitution
8.1 Nature & Sources of UK Constitution
8.1.1 Development of the UK Constitution
8.1.2 Nature of the UK Constitution
8.1.3 Sources of the UK Constitution
8.1.4 End of Topic Test - Nature & Sources
8.2 Constitutional Change since 1997
8.2.1 Constitutional Reform 1997-2010 1
8.2.2 Constitutional Reform 1997-2010 2
8.2.3 Constitutional Reform 2010-15 & Reforms Since 2015
8.2.4 End of Topic Test - Reform
8.2.5 Application Questions - Reform
8.3 Role & Powers of Devolved UK Bodies
8.3.1 Devolution in England & Scotland
8.3.2 Devolution in Wales & Northern Ireland
8.3.3 End of Topic Test - Devolution
8.4 Debates on Constitutional Reform
8.4.1 Constitutional Reform & Devolution
8.4.2 Should the Constitution Be Codified?
8.4.3 End of Topic Test - Reform Debates
8.4.4 Application Questions - Codification & Devolution
9 The UK Parliament
9.1 Houses of Parliament
9.1.1 Houses of Parliament
9.1.2 Functions of the House of Commons
9.1.3 Functions of the House of Lords
9.1.4 End of Topic Test - Parliament
9.1.5 Top Grade AO3/4 - Parliament
9.2 Comparative Powers
9.2.1 Comparative Powers of the Houses
9.2.2 End of Topic Test - Comparative Powers
9.3 Legislative Process
9.3.1 Legislative Stages
9.3.2 Law-Making in the two Houses
9.3.3 End of Topic Test - Legislative Process
9.4 Parliament & Executive Interactions
9.4.1 Backbenchers
9.4.2 Select Committees
9.4.3 The Opposition
9.4.4 Ministerial Question Time
9.4.5 End of Topic Test - Parliament & Executive
9.4.6 Application Questions - Parliament & Executive
10 The Prime Minister & the Executive
10.1 The Executive
10.1.1 Structure of the Executive
10.1.2 Roles of the Executive
10.1.3 Powers of the Executive
10.1.4 End of Topic Test - PM & Executive
10.2 Ministerial Responsibility
10.2.1 Individual Ministerial Responsibility
10.2.2 Collective Ministerial Responsibility
10.2.3 End of Topic Test - Ministerial Responsibility
10.3 Prime Minister & the Cabinet
10.3.1 Role of the Prime Minister
10.3.2 Prime Minister's Powers
10.3.3 Limits on the Prime Minister's Powers
10.3.4 Role of the Cabinet
10.3.5 Prime Minister & Cabinet: Relations
10.3.6 Prime Minister & Cabinet: Balance of Power
10.3.7 Prime Minister & Cabinet: Case Studies
10.3.8 End of Topic Test - PM & Cabinet
10.3.9 Top Grade AO3/4 - PM & Cabinet
11 Relationships Between Government Branches
11.1 The Supreme Court
11.1.1 Role & Composition
11.1.2 Principles & Influence of the Supreme Court
11.1.3 End of Topic Test - Supreme Court
11.2 Parliament & Executive Relations
11.2.1 Parliament & Executive: Questions
11.2.2 Parliament & Executive: Committees
11.2.3 Parliament & Executive: Voting
11.2.4 Executive Dominance Over Parliament
11.2.5 Balance of Power
11.2.6 End of Topic Test - Parliament & Executive
11.2.7 A-A* (AO3/4) - Relationships Between Government
11.3 The European Union & the UK
11.3.1 Aims & Policy Making of the European Union
11.3.2 End of Topic Test - EU & UK
11.4 Sovereignty in the UK Political System
11.4.1 Sovereignty in the UK Political System
11.4.2 End of Topic Test - Sovereignty
12 US Constitution & Federalism
12.1 Nature of the US Constitution
12.1.1 Nature of the US Constitution
12.1.2 Nature: Positives & Negatives
12.1.3 Constitutional Framework
12.1.4 The Amendment Process
12.1.5 End of Topic Test - Nature US Constitution
12.2 Principles of the US Constitution
12.2.1 Federalism
12.2.2 Separation of Powers/Checks & Balances
12.2.3 Bipartisanship
12.2.4 Limited Government
12.2.5 End of Topic Test - Constitutional Principles
12.3 Federalism
12.3.1 Main Characteristics
12.3.2 Federal Government and the States
12.3.3 End of Topic Test - Federalism
12.4 Interpretations & Debates
12.4.1 Democracy in the Constitution
12.4.2 Federalism
12.4.3 End of Topic Test - Debates
12.4.4 A-A* (AO3/4) - US Constitution
13 US Congress
13.1 Structure of Congress
13.1.1 Structure of Congress
13.1.2 Distribution of Powers
13.1.3 End of Topic Test - Congress Structure
13.2 Functions of Congress
13.2.1 Representation
13.2.2 Legislative
13.2.3 Oversight
13.2.4 End of Topic Test - Functions of Congress
13.3 Interpretations & Debates
13.3.1 Changing Roles & Powers
13.3.2 Changing Significance of Parties & of Powers
13.3.3 End of Topic Test - Debates
13.3.4 Application Questions - US Congress
14 US Presidency
14.1 Presidential Power
14.1.1 Formal Sources of Presidential Power
14.1.2 Informal Sources of Presidential Power
14.1.3 Powers of Persuasion
14.1.4 End of Topic Test - Presidential Power
14.2 The Presidency
14.2.1 President Relationship with Other Institutions
14.2.2 Limitations on Presidential Power
14.2.3 US Presidents Achieving Their Aims
14.2.4 End of Topic Test - Presidency
14.3 Interpretations & Debates of the US Presidency
14.3.1 The Imperial Presidency
14.3.2 The President in Foreign Policy
14.3.3 End of Topic Test - Debates
14.3.4 A-A* (AO3/4) - US Presidency
15 US Supreme Court & Civil Rights
15.1 Nature & Role of Supreme Court
15.1.1 Nature & Role of the Supreme Court
15.1.2 End of Topic Test - Nature & Role
15.2 Supreme Court Appointment Process
15.2.1 Appointment Process
15.2.2 Supreme Court Membership
15.2.3 End of Topic Test - Appointments
15.3 The Supreme Court & Public Policy
15.3.1 Supreme Court & Public Policy
15.3.2 End of Topic Test - Public Policy
15.4 Protection of Civil Liberties & Rights
15.4.1 Protection of Civil Liberties & Rights
15.4.2 Race & Rights in Contemporary US Politics
15.4.3 End of Topic Test - Rights & Liberties
15.5 Debates & Interpretations of the Supreme Court
15.5.1 Political Nature of the Supreme Court
15.5.2 Judicial Interpretation
15.5.3 Supreme Court Checks & Balances
15.5.4 End of Topic Test - Debates
15.5.5 Application Questions - The Supreme Court
16 US Democracy & Participation
16.1 Presidential Elections
16.1.1 Presidential Elections
16.1.2 Primaries
16.1.3 National Party Conventions
16.1.4 End of Topic Test - Presidential Elections
16.2 Electoral College
16.2.1 Electoral College System
16.2.2 Reforms
16.2.3 End of Topic Test - Electoral College
16.3 Electoral Campaigns
16.3.1 Issues in Elections
16.3.2 End of Topic Test - Campaigns
16.4 Incumbency
16.4.1 Elections & Incumbency
16.4.2 End of Topic Test - Incumbency
16.4.3 A-A* (AO3/4) - Elections & Electoral College
16.5 Democrats & Republicans
16.5.1 National & State Level Organisation
16.5.2 Democratic & Republican Policies
16.5.3 Changing Party Significance
16.5.4 End of Topic Test - Democrats & Republicans
16.6 Internal Conflict & Ideology
16.6.1 Types of Democrats
16.6.2 Types of Republicans
16.6.3 End of Topic Test - Internal Conflict
16.7 Support & Demographics
16.7.1 Coalition of Supporters
16.7.2 End of Topic Test - Party Support
16.8 Interest Groups
16.8.1 Political Significance of Interest Groups
16.8.2 Interest Group Influence & Impact on Democracy
16.8.3 End of Topic Test - Interest Groups
16.8.4 Application Questions - Parties, Ideology & Groups
17 Comparing Democracies
17.1 Theoretical Approaches
17.1.1 Theoretical Approaches
17.1.2 End of Topic Test - Approaches
17.2 UK & USA Similarities & Differences
17.2.1 Constitution: Nature
17.2.2 Constitution: Provisions & Principles
17.2.3 Federal System & Devolution
17.2.4 Legislative: Lower Houses of Government
17.2.5 Legislative: Upper Houses of Government
17.2.6 Legislative: Powers & Functions
17.2.7 Executive
17.2.8 Supreme Court
17.2.9 Supreme Court: Judicial Independence
17.2.10 Civil Rights
17.2.11 Civil Rights: Interest Groups
17.2.12 Party Systems & Parties
17.2.13 Campaign Finance & Pressure Groups
17.2.14 End of Topic Test - Comparing UK & US
17.2.15 Application Questions - UK & USA
18 Feminism
18.1 Feminism: Core Ideas & Principles
18.1.1 Context of Feminism
18.1.2 Sex & Gender
18.1.3 Patriarchy & The Personal is the Political
18.1.4 Difference, Egalitarian & Intersectionality
18.1.5 Key Themes
18.1.6 End of Topic Test - Core Ideas & Principles
18.2 Different Types of Feminism
18.2.1 The Waves of Feminism
18.2.2 Socialist & Radical Feminism
18.2.3 Post-Modern Feminism
18.2.4 End of Topic Test - Different Types of Feminism
18.3 Feminist Thinkers & Their Ideas
18.3.1 Charlotte Gilman & Simone de Beauvoir
18.3.2 Kate Millett
18.3.3 Sheila Rowbotham & bell hooks
18.3.4 End of Topic Test - Feminist Thinkers & Ideas
18.3.5 A-A* (AO3/4) - Feminism
19 Nationalism
19.1 Nationalism: Core Ideas & Principles
19.1.1 Nations & Self-Determination
19.1.2 Nation-States & Culturalism
19.1.3 Racialism & Internationalism
19.1.4 Civic & Ethnic Nationalism
19.1.5 Liberal & Socialist Internationalism
19.1.6 Key Themes
19.1.7 End of Topic Test - Core Ideas & Principles
19.2 Different Types of Nationalism
19.2.1 Liberal & Conservative Nationalism
19.2.2 Post-Colonial & Expansionist Nationalism
19.2.3 Progressive & Regressive Nationalism
19.2.4 Inclusive & Exclusive Nationalism
19.2.5 End of Topic Test -Different Types of Nationalism
19.3 Nationalist Thinkers & Their Ideas
19.3.1 Jean-Jacques Rousseau & Gottfried von Herder
19.3.2 Giuseppe Mazzini & Charles Maurras
19.3.3 Marcus Garvey
19.3.4 End of Topic Test - Nationalist Thinkers & Ideas
19.3.5 A-A* (AO3/4) - Nationalism
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Edexcel Politics A Level - Model essay (1750 + words) on pressure groups success
Subject: Government and politics
Age range: 16+
Resource type: Other
Last updated
29 October 2020
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A model essay (1750+ words), rich with examples, answering the following question:
Evaluate the extent to which pressure groups succeed due primarily to their insider status. You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30]
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Pressure Groups
A pressure group is an organisation with shared aims which seeks to influence policy through political means, without seeking political office itself.
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Study Notes
Direct action
Minority party, insider pressure group, outsider pressure group, pressure group, sectional group, social movements, civil liberties, european parliament, unit 3 essay example: "direct democracy is good in theory; however, it is often bad in practice. discuss ", unit 4 essay advice: "“lacking in effective leadership” assess this claim about the us congress", clapham common, peaceful protest and bad timing.
16th March 2021
The Clapham Common vigil and pressure group activity
15th March 2021
The Stansted 15 case
5th February 2021
A good example of pressure group methods
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The national rifle association - the most influential pressure group in the world.
27th January 2016
Should Jeremy Corbyn leave 'Stop the War'
10th December 2015
What's the point of Party Conferences?
29th September 2015
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Pressure Groups
Lesson 1: pressure groups.
This is a preview of the whole essay
Document Details
- Word Count 1889
- Page Count 5
- Level AS and A Level
- Subject Politics
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
A pressure group is a broad term encompassing any political group that attempts to influence those in power without seeking power themselves. There are two types of pressure groups: insider and outsider. While insider pressure groups work with the government to achieve their aims, outsider pressure groups do not work with the government.
Pressure groups keep governments in touch with public opinion between elections. One of the weaknesses of elections is that they only take place every few years. By contrast, pressure groups force the government to engage in an ongoing dialogue with the people, in which the interests or views of the various sections of society cannot be ignored.
A level politics example practice exam questions - taken from a variety of sources. pressure groups and other influences how different pressure groups exert. Skip to document. University; High School. ... Essay Plan: Evaluate the view that minor parties have an effective impact on UK politics. Politics.
pressure groups case studies Learn with flashcards, games, and more — for free. ... Essay: Evaluate the extent to which pressure groups enhance democracy in the UK. 9 terms. HenryNurse03. Preview. A-Level Edexcel Politics - UK Pressure Groups. 21 terms. Sonny_McGarrity. Preview. Edexcel A Level Politics Nationalism. 89 terms. Ezdubs69 ...
This essay will compare the influence of corporations and pressure groups within government policy, examining successful pressure groups and corporations as well as those that fall short. ... Pressure groups don't have the same level of influence in the economy resulting in a lack of power within political discourse. This is another strong ...
1. US interest groups have more access points than UK groups due to federalist system of government (more access points means more opportunities to raise civil rights issues as groups can act on national level with Congress and state level) + (Westminster parliament tends to dominate UK politics so is main focus for lobbying by pressure groups) 2.
Unit 1: Pressure Groups. A Pressure Group is an organised group that does not hold candidates for election, but seeks to influence and change government policy or legislation.They are also described as 'interest groups', 'lobby groups' or 'protest groups'. In Britain, the number of political parties is on the small scale compared to the mass number of pressure groups that run into ...
1.3 Pressure groups and other influences. • How different pressure groups exert influence and how their methods and influence vary in contemporary politics. • Case studies of two different pressure groups, highlighting examples of how their methods and influence vary. • Other collective organisations and groups including
A pressure group is an organised group of people that aims to influence the policies or actions of government. Pressure groups have three key features: They seek to exert influence from outside, meaning they don't try to win political power in the same way as a party. Typically have a 'narrow issue' focus, for example, environmental ...
A pressure group can be described as 'an organised group that does not put up candidates for election, but seeks to influence government policy or legislation' (Budge, Crewe, McKay & Newton, 1998, pp.286 & 287). They can also be described as 'interest groups', 'lobby groups' or 'protest groups'.
Cause Groups: Advocating for Ideals. Cause groups, also known as single-issue groups, are pressure groups formed around a particular cause, principle, or belief. These groups are driven by a shared vision for change and often seek to raise awareness and influence public opinion on their chosen issue. A prominent example is Greenpeace, which ...
🔗 https://www.politicsexplained.co.uk/ - Visit the Politics Explained website to access the PDF that accompanies this video, free essay plans and a place t...
Examples of outsider groups. Fathers4Justice campaign for fathers to have equal rights after separation. Occupy Movement campaign for a balance between executive and worker pay. Plane Stupid is a pressure group against the expansion of UK airports. Amnesty International is an example of a potential outsider group.
A model essay (1750+ words), rich with examples, answering the following question: Evaluate the extent to which pressure groups succeed due primarily to their insider status. You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way.
A Level Politics tutor2u Halloween Quiz Quizzes & Activities. Starmer glitter bomb 12th October 2023. Just Stop Oil in the news again ... Example Essay UK Politics - do pressure groups always undermine democracy? 16th May 2016. RSPCA to become less adversarial 16th May 2016. The National Rifle Association - the most influential pressure group ...
Ultimately, this essay will conclude that it is clear that apart from a few influential pressure groups, corporations have a much greater influence on government policy. Read More Component 1 , Democracy , Politics , UK Politics Editor 4/11/17 Component 1 , Democracy , Politics , UK Politics Editor 4/11/17
Pressure groups can make unlimited donations to political parties, and only donations over £7,500 have be declared and made public. If the public does not even know who is lobbying the government, it is very difficult to see if the government is being balanced.
Democracy and Participation Essay Plans based on 2022 Advanced Information for Edexcel A-Level Politics. Plans for 1.3 Pressure Groups and 1.4 Rights in context. Achieved A* in Politics (2022).
Outline 2 differences between a political party and a pressure group. A political party seeks to win power at various levels via elections like Labour, whereas pressure groups seek to influence those in power e.g. Make Poverty History. Whereas political parties have to fight elections on a whole range of issues, released in the form of their ...
Influence/publicity costs money (internet, radio, print, public relations) A big company has large economic power as they are crucial to the economy. Finance can play a large role in lobbying. For example: The BBA campaigning against banking reform. A Level Politics: Pressure Groups.
A group of like minded individuals who seek to influence the public and/or government policy and legislation for a particular cause or concern. Pressure Group. Where the government invites pressure groups to submit responses to proposed legislation, possibly after publishing a white or green paper. Consultation.
LESSON 1: Pressure Groups. A pressure group is a body which seeks to influence government policy or public opinion, but without actually seeking governmental office itself. Unlike political parties, which offer policies on virtually every issue, pressure groups tend to be concerned with one specific issue or a narrow range of similar issues.