Pressure Groups
description
Transcript of Pressure Groups
Pressure Groups
Their role in a Democracy
Aim of a Pressure Group
Pressure Groups do not seek to govern the country .
They seek to influence the government to take their views into account when formulating new laws
Rights and Responsibilities
Rights
To recruit members
To publicise their cause
To campaign for change
Responsibilities
To act within the law.
To recognise democratic government
Types of Pressure Groups
When discussing Pressure Groups we can divide them into two types
Cause Groups
Interest Groups
Cause Groups
Members are united by the fact that they have a shared view of the way society could be improved.
Child Poverty Action Group
Shelter
Greenpeace
Interest Groups 1
These groups exist to advance the economic or professional interests of their members.
Trade Unions
Employers Associations
Professional associations
Examples of Interest Groups
TUC
CBI
BMA
NFU
Interest Groups 2
These groups can sometimes be described as insider groups.
This means they have access to the decision makers.
NFU consulted by senior civil servants about regulations concerning BSE or Foot and Mouth
Insider Groups
BMA consulted by government when new legislation being introduced regarding health or the reform of the NHS
Cause Groups
These groups do not have the same access to the decision makers as interest groups. They therefore rely on other methods to influence the government
Reasons for the growth of Pressure Groups
Disillusionment with political parties
Growth of central and European govt’s has meant much more laws and regulations. Therefore people more likely to be affected by these decisions.
Success of other pressure groups
Are pressure groups good for democracy
Allows more participation.
Allows more scrutiny of government
Important decisions often made by small group of influential people in private
Methods of Cause Groups
Petitions
Lobbying Parliament
Press campaigns
Direct Action