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What are Pressure Groups?
Pressure groups are organisations made up of people who have come together because they feel strongly about an issue.
They put pressure on individuals, parties, organisations or the Government.
They may want to see the government introduce new laws or amend or repeal existing laws in support of their issue.
Why put pressure on individuals,Parties, organisations or
The government?
To get something done or changed
Improve conditions for theirmembers
To stop something from happening
Pressure Groups
Members of a Pressure Group are not elected
In the UK membership of political parties is low but membership of Pressure Groups is high – runs into thousands!
Membership of political parties has been falling over the last couple of years whereas membership of Pressure Groups has been rising
Can you think of any reasons why?
Why are pressure groups powerful?
Members pay a subscription, meaning more money is available to fund campaigns
Why are pressure groups powerful?
If membership is nationwide, the message can be broadcast throughout the country
Why are pressure groups powerful?
Groups can organise research into the issue and experts can explain the results to the public
Why are pressure groups powerful?
When large numbers of people are involved, the media will pay attention.
Why are pressure groups powerful?
A pressure group that gets a lot of public support can persuade the government to do something.
Snowdrop
Campaig
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Dunblane Massacre 1996
Ban on HandGuns 1997
Thomas Hamilton
Why are pressure groups powerful?
Full-time staff can be employed to organise campaigns and keep the issues in the public eye.
Why are pressure groups powerful?
Lobbyists can be employed to get the message across to Government Ministers.
Why are pressure groups powerful?
The Government will often consult large pressure groups when drawing up a Bill.
Animal issues
Medical issues Elderly issues
Law and order issues
Types of Pressure Groups
Pressure Groups can be divided into 2 main groups – insider and outsider
Insider Pressure Groups have close links with decision makers and are regularly consulted by them. They may attend meetings with ministers to share their expertise.
Outsider Groups
These groups work outside the realms of governmental decision making
They have fewer opportunities to influence the decision making process
Both insider and outsider groups are either cause or interest pressure groups.
Insider groups are regarded by the governmentInsider groups are regarded by the governmentAs potentially helpful and are consulted on issues.As potentially helpful and are consulted on issues.
Outsider groups do NOT wield as much power as theyOutsider groups do NOT wield as much power as theyAre NOT asked to consult with the government.Are NOT asked to consult with the government.
Types of pressure groups
Cause Groupsshare a view about how life could be
improvedwish to help a particular
disadvantaged group, e.g. children, the homeless, the elderly
wish to change public opinion about an issue, e.g. animal experiments
Examples of Cause Groups
Concerned with the care and protection of animals
Campaigns on behalf of the homelessWorks to get a better life for elderly people
Concerned with the environment and the protection of endangered species
RSPCA
Shelter Scotland - The housing and homelessness charity
Age Concern Scotland
Greenpeace UK
Examples of Cause Groups
Formerly the SSPCC, this works to protect Scottish children from abuse
Works to free political prisoners, investigate human rights abuses and defend people’s rights
Campaigns to end medical experiments on animals
CHILDREN 1ST
Amnesty International
BUAV - British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection
Types of pressure groups
Interest Groupstry to improve economic conditions
for their members, e.g. better pay for nurses
try to create better working conditions for their members, e.g. improved health and safety in the workplace
Examples of Interest Groups
Promotes the interests of business
Promotes the interests of trade unions and their members
Promotes the interests of its trade union members
CBI - The Voice of Business
Amicus - Unite the Union
Trades Union Congress
How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?
Letter-writing campaign Members can send large numbers of letters
to an MP or an MSP, in order to persuade them that there is strong public feeling for or against an issue.
How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?
Lobbying MPs or MSPs Individual representatives meet with
members from the pressure group involved and listen to the arguments put forward.
How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?
Public Petitions Pressure groups will ask the public to sign a
petition supporting their cause. This petition will be presented to the people in power, e.g. Scottish Government, UK Government, local council, in the hope they will give their support.
Marches and Demonstrations Large numbers of people take to the streets
with banners, leaflets and loudspeakers. This can attract media coverage and can influence the government.
How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?
Poster and Leaflet Campaigns Posters can be put in public places to draw
the public’s attention to an issue. Leaflets can be posted to households, or distributed in shopping centres. These methods may persuade members of the public to take action themselves.
How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?
Using the Mass Media Pressure groups use television, radio,
newspapers and the internet to get their message across. Advertisements will be bought, broadcasts produced, stories, research and interviews will be given to journalists, and websites will be set up.
How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?
Public Meetings Pressure groups can arrange these
meetings to explain their proposals to the public. They may also attend or speak at public meetings organised by the government or local council to make sure their view is being heard.
How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?
Direct Mailing Pressure groups will send members of the
public publicity materials and requests for financial help. They may use the Royal Mail or local volunteers to deliver the letters or leaflets.
How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?
Illegal Methods
These are methods which break the law
These methods can involve violence and blockades
Can you think of any illegal methods used by Pressure Groups that have been on the news?
Illegal Methods In 2008 Greenpeace members climbed
aboard a plane on Heathrow to protest against a third runway.
In may 2004 two Fathers 4 Justice members threw condoms filled with purple flour into the House of Commons. One hit then Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Right and Responsibilities of Pressure Groups
Right to:hold
demonstrations and marches to put across a point of view
be protected by the police at such events
Responsibility to: act peacefully and
respect the rights of those who disagree with you
follow instructions given by the police
not break the law
Right and Responsibilities of Pressure Groups
Right to:publicise a cause,
using posters, leaflets, letters to the press or publicity stunts
speak freely about your beliefs
Responsibility to:tell the truth and
not misrepresent facts or offend people
make sure that publicity stunts do not break the law or endanger the public
Right and Responsibilities of Pressure Groups
Right to:contact
representatives, such as MPs, MSPs and local councillors to persuade them to support your cause
Responsibility to:work within the law
and not threaten, intimidate or blackmail politicians
Right and Responsibilities of Pressure Groups
Right to:collect signatures
for a petition to present to representatives
Responsibility to:ensure that
signatures are not forged
ensure that they honestly represent the views of those who have signed it
Effectiveness of Pressure Groups
One of the key objectives of the Scottish Parliament is to encourage people to participate in decision making
Pressure Groups can influence decision making through the Public Petitions Committee
Pressure Groups often use the Public Petitions Committee to put forward their views and ask the parliament to make changes in the law
Pressure Groups and Democracy
Some people argue that Pressure Groups add to democracy. They would argue:they improve government by challenging its decisionsThey offer an outlet for people not interested in mainstream politics.
Do you agree or disagree with these points? Do Pressure Groups encourage people to take part in the Decision Making process?
Pressure Groups and Democracy
However, some people argue that Pressure Groups represent a threat to democracy as they are only interested in themselves and their own issues. They would argue: they are not representative of their membersTheir leaders are not elected.
Does this mean that people may be less likely to become involved in the decision making process?
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