Yannis Joseph
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What are pressure
groups?
Pressure groups are groups of like
minded people who to seek
influence those in power without
acquiring political power
themselves
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Examples of pressure
groups:
Sectional groups: they represent
the interest of a particular sections
in society i.e. Teachers (the
National Union of Teachers)
Promotional groups: They seek to
advance particular causes and
ideas to benefit society (Green
Peace) unlike sectional groups who
only seek to help a particular
group.
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Methods used by
pressure groups?
Taking action in the UK and
international courts to challenge
government decisions.
Using professional lobbyist:
businesses that are set up to
contact and persuade politicians
on behalf of the PG.
Attempting to provide politicians
with funds or expert advice.
Using the media in a variety of
ways, e.g. Publicity and stunts..
F4J.
Illegal actions such as damage to
property or even murder to force
others to agree.
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What political access
point will pressure
groups use?
The executive – Whitehall civil
servants, ministers and the PM.
The Legislature – Both House of
Commons and House of Lords.
Political parties – through
individual MPs, influencing their
manifestos and through
supporting MPs and parties
financially.
Wynn Grant distinguishes between insider and
outsider groups.
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Insider groups like
BMA (British Medical
Association) and the
CBI are those that are
accepted by the
government and often
consulted when policy
is being made. These
are known as the core
insider groups.
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Outsider groups either
cant get into this
position or dont want
to, such as some
radical action groups
who believe in violent
demonstrations or in
violent actions like
those carried out by
some anti-vivisection
groups.
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Good Organisation: they need to match the efficiency of
the business they are trying to influence.
Funding: the more financial resources the better. Green
Peace has the financial resources to run several ocean
going ships, so it can operate world wide.
Public Opinion: if public opinion is with them, a pressure
group can influence the largest of organisations.
Use of all possible methods of influence: media, courts,
govt. etc. Fathers for Justice
Commitment of members: members must believe their
cause and be willing to fight for it.
Good leadership and possibly patronage (favouritism) e.g.
The anti-landmine campaigns when led by princess Diana