2.32 6 markers

Question 1

Explain what is meant by pressure groups

Answer 1

A pressure group is an organisation with shared aims which seeks to influence policy through political means, without seeking political office itself
“Shared aims” are not necessarily political- e.g. the Rambler’s Association only want more footpaths
There are two types:
1. Sectional
2. Causal

Sectional:
Sectional groups look after their own area of society
E.g. BMA, National Farmer’s Union
Often have similar occupations and interests. Have closed membership

Causal:
Causal groups campaign for a particular cause or issue, often one that does not directly affect its members
Casual groups therefore campaign on the behalf of others
Membership open to everyone- e.g. RSPCA, Oxfam

Also insider and outside pressure groups:
Insider= Insider groups have a special relationship with the government and are given access to officials and decision-makers.
Outsider groups do not have such close links with the government and may resort to activities that generate attention from the press in order to publicise their cause (e.g. Fathers 4 Justice climbing Big Ben)

Question 2

Explain two failures of pressure groups

Answer 2

There are a number of reasons why a pressure group might fail to achieve its goals. The absence of any of the factors required for success may make it difficult for a pressure group to succeed:

1. The goal contradicts a government policy.

If the government is determined to follow a particular policy then it will be very difficult for a pressure group to persuade the government to change its mind.

The Conservative government (2015–) is determined to introduce new polices for a 7-day NHS, therefore the BMA campaign against the proposals has largely failed.

2. The government can resist pressure from the group.
   If those in power are in a strong enough position, they will feel able to resist a group’s campaign and effectively ignore it.
   The Stop the War Coalition organised mass rallies and activities to stop the invasion of Iraq in 2003. However, with a large majority and cross-party support in parliament, the Blair government was able to resist the pressure and ignore the group’s demands.

Question 3

Explain two ways pressure groups exert influence

Answer 3

Publicity stunts- e.g. Fathers 4 Justice climbing Big Ben, Occupy to highlight the problems caused by capitalism
Organise public demonstrations- e.g. rallies, marches, protests- example

Question 4

Explain two factors influencing the success of pressure groups

Answer 4

Insider status.
Having close links to the government, insider pressure groups are able to advise and influence ministers directly as events are happening. In 2014, the Howard League for Penal Reform successfully campaigned to end the ban on prisoners receiving books sent to them by family or friends.

Wealth.
Financial resources allow pressure groups to pay for things that may help promote their cause, such as lobbyists, adverts and websites. In 2012, the British Bankers’ Association paid lobbyists to persuade ministers to cut corporation tax and taxes on banks’ overseas subsidiaries.

Large membership. Having a lot of members means you control a large section of the electorate and also have a number of people ready to take action in terms of signing petitions and organising protests. In 2015, the RSPB utilised over 500,000 members for its Big Garden Birdwatch.

Question 5

Explain two arguments that pressure groups enhance democracy

Answer 5

1. Lobbying
   - Lobby groups meet with politicians to argue their case
   - RSPB campaigned for the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
   - NO2ID campaigned successfully against Blair’s ID cards
   - Anti-smoking groups campaigned for smoking to be banned in public places
2. Represent interests of minority groups
   - Look to ensure all areas of society are represented
   - NEU/NUT have campaigned for better working conditions for teachers
   - Royal College of Nursing- better pay for nurses
   - BMA

Question 6

Explain two arguments that pressure groups weaken democracy

Answer 6

1. Lobbying
   - Most powerful groups exert most influence- elitism
   - Unequal distribution of resources
   - Owen Paterson- lobbying scandal in 2021saw him resign from govt
   - 2019 GE saw Johnson receive 1 million in donations- £25,000 pounds from Amiad Bseisu, chief executive of north sea oil firm EnQuest
   - Greenpeace budget of £10 million
2. Bad participation
   - The Stansted 15 blocked a plane from moving
   - Animal rebellion blocked McDonald’s distribution centres in may 2021 - cutting off about 1300 restaurants
   - Insulate Britain glue themselves to roads