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=Questions and Answers - Unit 1, Theme 1=

Pressure Groups
Home Politics

Questions
5 point Questions:
 * 1) What is a pressure group? (SU1, W2004) *
 * 2) Define a pressure group (S2005) *
 * 3) Distinguish between ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ pressure groups. (S2002, S2004, W2006) *
 * 4) Distinguish between sectional and promotional pressure groups. (S2003) *
 * 5) Outline two ways in which pressure groups differ from political parties (W 2003) *

15 Point Questions:
 * 1) What are the main types of pressure groups? (SU1, W2004) *
 * 2) In which ways can pressure groups be defined? (S2005) *
 * 3) How do pressure groups influence government? (S2002)
 * 4) What methods do pressure groups employ to influence the political process?
 * 5) Why is it sometimes difficult to distinguish between pressure groups and political parties? (W 2003) *
 * 6) Explain the main differences between pressure groups and political parties. (S2004) *

30 point Questions:
 * 1) In what ways do pressure groups strengthen democracy? (SU1)
 * 2) To what extent do pressure groups strengthen the democratic process? (S2004) *
 * 3) To what extent do pressure groups undermine the democratic process? (S2005) *
 * 4) Why are some pressure groups more powerful than others? (S2002)
 * 5) What are the most important factors that contribute to pressure group success? (W 2003) *
 * 6) Why are some pressure groups more successful than others? (S2003, W2006) *
 * 7) To what extent have pressure groups become more important in recent years? (W2004) *

Indicative Content - A Guide to Answering

 * 5 point Questions:**

1a) //What is a pressure group?//

A pressure group is an organisation which seeks to influence public policy in relation to a particular issue. Pressure groups tend to have a narrow issue focus and are bound together by shared interests or a common cause.


 * (4-5)** highlight at least two aspects of the work of pressure groups.
 * (2-3)** focus only one aspect.
 * (0-1)** are likely to be undeveloped definitions, or only partial descriptions.

2a) //Define a pressure group.//

A pressure group is defined as an organised group of individuals whc have shared interests or beliefs. Pressure groups exist to influence government policy and public opinion in relation to a particular cause or interest.


 * (4-5)** will accurately define a pressure group and the best responses will offer an example.
 * (2-3)** will offer a partial description.
 * (0-1)** may offer a very partial or limited response.

3a) //Distinguish, with examples, between an ‘insider’ and an ‘outsider’ pressure groups//

An ‘insider’ pressure group has regular, privileged and usually institutionalised access to the process of policy formulation. This access is likely to provide the group with greater influence over the political decision making process. ‘Outsider’ groups have either been denied this access or do not seek it. They therefore typically influence the political process indirectly via strategies intended to influence public opinion.


 * (4-5)** will accurately describe both terms and also offer examples.
 * (2-3)** will accurately describe either of the terms and offer examples.
 * (0-1)** will not be full answers.

//4a) Distinguish between sectional and promotional pressure groups//

Promotional groups represent a specific cause, principle or ideal, connected with benefit to others or the larger society rather than the groups’ members. An example of such a group is Friends of the Earth, which is concerned with the environment. Sectional groups promote or protect the interest of their members; these interests are usually material or economic. Examples of such groups include trade unions and some professional associations.


 * (4-5)** should clearly identify both types of group and offer examples.
 * (2-3)** should show an awareness of both types of groups.
 * (0-1)** may only identify one type of pressure group.

5//a) Outline two ways in which pressure groups differ from political parties.//

A political party seeks to win power at various levels, whereas pressure groups seek to influence those in power. Generally pressure groups focus on a single or narrow range of issues, whereas political parties have to fight elections on a whole range of issues. Parties are bound together by shared ideological beliefs, whereas pressure groups are united by a common cause or shared interests.

(4-5) should explain two differences, with examples. (2-3 ) should explain one difference, with an example. (0-1) may identify one difference which offers some explanation or two differences that are not explained.


 * 15 point Questions:**

//1b) What are the main types of pressure groups?//

Promotional or cause groups represent a specific issue, such as Friends of the Earth and the environment, linked to the benefit of others or the wider society, whereas sectional or interest groups seek to promote or protect the interest of a specific group of people, the CBI would claim to promote the interests of all those involved in the manufacturing industry, Insider groups have privileged and formal access to government and exert influence, often out of the public eye.. Outsider groups are those unable to gain access to ear of ministers and need to resort to influencing public opinion. Groups such as Greenpeace, resorting to stunts, and the activities of groups whose aims are at variance with the government of the day.


 * (11-15)** able to identify both ways of categorising pressure groups and offer descriptions, supported by examples.
 * (6-10)** able to identify one of the ways of categorising pressure groups and offer descriptions, supported by examples.
 * (0-5)** are likely to describe two or fewer types of pressure groups. Descriptions are likely to be very brief.

2b) //In which ways can pressure groups be classified?//

Promotional or cause groups represent a specific issue such as Friends of the Earth and the environment, linked to the benefit of others or the wider society. Sectional or interest groups seek to promote or protect the interest of a specific group of people, UNISON claims to promote the interests of its members, working in the public sector. Insider groups have privileged access to the formal decision making process and exert influence, for example, the BMA. Outsider groups are those unable to gain such access to the ear of politicians and need to resort to influencing public opinion. Examples of such groups could include Greenpeace, Fathers 4 Justice or the Animal Liberation Front (ALF).


 * (11-15)** should be able to describe a range of classifications of pressure groups, supported by appropriate examples.
 * (6-10)** will identify only one classification with examples. Alternatively, they will identify a wider range but with no examples.
 * (0-5)** will describe one type or simply name two.

4b) //What methods do pressure groups employ to influence the political process?//

The activities may relate to the type of pressure group being discussed. ‘Insider’ groups operate through links between the group and government at different levels. Insider pressure groups may rely on formal or informal meetings with politicians or civil servants, lobbying Parliament or links to and influence exerted via political parties. Outsider groups may resort to publicity stunts to highlight their views. Groups may organise meetings or demonstrations. Groups such as Friends of the Earth commission reports to give weight to their standpoints. Manipulation of the media is also an important tool in getting a group’s message across to the public.


 * (11-15)** will explain at least three activities and may be able to identify that these activities may vary according to which type of group is being discussed.
 * (6-10)** will identify at least two activities.
 * (0-5)** will be limited both in scope.

5b) //Why is it sometimes difficult to distinguish between pressure groups and political parties?//

Sometimes pressure groups behave like political parties, the Referendum Party, for example, put up candidates in the 1997 general election to pressure members of the Conservative Party and to seek a single policy objective. Sometimes parties appear to emerge out of single issue movements such as the Green Party. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish where a pressure group ends and a political party begins. This was traditionally the case with the relationship between trade unions and the Labour Party, respectively the industrial and political wings of the Labour movement.

(11-15) should explain at least two aspects with some examples. (6-10) should describe at least one aspect with an example. (0-5) may identify one aspect offering some explanation or two aspects that are not explained.

6b) //Explain the main differences between pressure groups and political parties.//

Political parties have a wide policy remit. They have to stand on a range of policies. Pressure groups usually target one policy area, Greenpeace for example is concerned with environmental protection. Political parties normally seek election in order to be able to implement their policy beliefs. Pressure groups do not normally seek to gain elected political power, they seek to exert influence on those in power. Pressure groups may achieve this by forging links with certain political parties or by influencing politicians indirectly through public opinion.


 * (11-15)** should be able to explain the differences with clear examples.
 * (6-10)** should be able to explain fewer of the differences with examples or a full range but with little explanation or examples.
 * (0-5)** will be either partial or less well explained.


 * 30 point Questions:**

2c) //To what extent do pressure groups strengthen the democratic process?//

Pressure Groups may be seen to strengthen democracy in that they encourage wider participation in the political process, particularly single­issue protest groups. They promote debate on issues which leads to a better informed electorate; such pressure groups play an educational role. Pressure groups can also be said to play a representative role in keeping governments in touch with public opinion, particularly away from election time. As such, pressure groups help maintain the accountability of politicians. Pressure groups are often accused of secrecy. Some groups may abuse their insider status. It may be unfair that more wealthy groups exert undue influence. Some pressure groups resort to illegal actions which may be seen as anti-democratic.


 * (21-30)** will provide a range of explained points with examples covering both sides of the debate.
 * (11-20)** will provide at fewer explained points with examples which may be more partial, or highlight a range of unexplained points.
 * (0-10)** will offer no more than an outline understanding which may not be well explained or reliant upon anecdotal evidence.

3c) //To what extent do pressure groups undermine the democratic process?//

Arguments in favour of pressure groups include: pressure groups may be seen to strengthen democracy in that they encourage wider participation in the political process, particularly single-issue protest groups. They promote debate on issues which leads to a better informed electorate; such pressure groups play a representative rote in keeping governments in touch with public opinion, particularly away from election time. As such, pressure groups help maintain the accountability of politicians. Arguments against pressure groups include: pressure groups are unelected and as such are not accountable for the pressure they exert. Insider groups often work behind the scenes, their activities shrouded in secrecy. This lack of transparency exposes them to accusation of hindering the democratic process. Financial muscle may be more important than the force of argument. A richer group will have greater opportunity to put across its message than perhaps a poorer group that opposes it. Some pressure groups promote so called direct action which is often illegal (for example, Reclaim the Streets). Such action unchecked undermines the democratic process since it sends out the message that breaking the law is one way to achieve political ends. It may also challenge the legitimacy pf the parliamentary system. The impact of pressure group activity backed by strong public opinion may lead to the introduction of hastily conceived legislation.


 * (21-30)** will offer a range of factors on both sides of the debate with appropriate examples.
 * (11-20)** will either offer a partial response with examples or a balanced response lacking examples.
 * (0 -10)** will offer no more than an outline understanding which may not be well explained or reliant upon anecdotal evidence.

5c) //What are the most important factors that contribute to pressure group success?//

A large membership can be an important factor because decision- making might be influenced if a Government feels it cannot ignore the views of a large section of the public. Money is an important factor since richer pressure groups can afford to fund their causes more effectively. Pressure groups that are in tune with the mood of the people are likely to hold sway over policy. The ability to cause major disruption is also an important factor, as seen by the actions of the lorry drivers in their protest over fuel prices in the autumn of 2000. The Snowdrop appeal formed after the massacre of Dunblane proved to be influential in influencing public opinion and government policy. Insider status can be a great advantage.

(2 1-30) should fully explain at least three factors, providing appropriate evidence. (11-20) should explain two factors, with appropriate evidence. (0-10) may identify one type of executive factor which offers some explanation or more factors that are not or are poorly explained.

6c) //Why are some pressure groups more successful than others?//

The relationship of a pressure group to government is likely to make significant difference, and insider groups can be at a great advantage in this respect. This is not constant, however, and the status of a group may change over time. A large membership can be important, since decision making might be influenced if Government feel it cannot ignore the views of a large section of the country. A large size does not ensure power, however. The unions remained large in the 1980s, but exerted little power. Richer pressure groups can afford to fund their causes more effectively. They may also be able to employ experts in public relations, marketing and communication, which may also enhance their power and success. This ability to control economics resources may give pressure groups decisive influence, accounting for the power of business interests, particularly in a globalised economy. Pressure groups that are in tune with the mood of the people are likely to hold sway over policy, particularly after dramatic events. The Snowdrop appeal formed after the massacre of Dunblane proved to be influential in influencing public opinion and government policy. The ability to cause major disruption is also an important factor, as seen by the actions of the lorry drivers in their protest over fuel prices in the autumn of 2000. Groups going with the national grain (RSPCA) more likely to succeed than others (animal liberation). Pressure groups that cannot exert this sort of power are unlikely to have much influence.


 * (21-30)** will clearly explain at least three factors, with appropriate examples.
 * (11-20)** will explain at least two factors.
 * (0 - 10)** will offer only one reason or will be a very limited response.

//7c) To what extent have pressure groups become more important in recent years?//

It could be argued that pressure groups are now more appropriate mechanisms for mobilising public opinion. There has been a growth in both the size and number of pressure groups in recent years. Group membership has been increasing at a time when political parties have been declining in size. This increase in salience comes at a time when conventional politics, as represented by the political parties, is in a state of crisis. Increased trans-nationalism and supra-nationalism has led to pressure groups being used to lobby the appropriate decision-making bodies. Against this, it may be argued that groups do not appear to be any more effective than before, and the decline in conventional politics is what is really being witnessed. The failure of the fuel protests, firefighters union and, despite its size, the inefficacy of the anti-war movement points to limits of pressure group influence.


 * (21-30)** should explain two arguments __on each side__ of the debate with examples.
 * (11-20)** should explain three arguments with examples, covering each side of the debate.
 * (0-10)** will explain one argument or will be a number of undeveloped points.