Evaluate the methods used by US pressure groups to achieve their political aims. (30 marks)
- Created by: yazmintaylorx
- Created on: 27-04-18 09:03
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- methods used by pressure groups
- lobbying
- promotes a pluralist democracy in which many different groups can have an impact on policy
- this should help to prevent tyranny of the majority & a dictatorship-style govt.
- PGs can use their experience & expertise to advise officials on policy decisions
- these decisions should be better for the country
- promotes elitism in which the views of the wealthy are overrepresented
- this may undermine decisions may by the govt. by giving them less legitimacy & authority
- ordinary citizens may be put off from politics because of this, so apathy may increase and participation may fall
- causes scandals such as the 2006 Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal in which Abramoff massively overcharged Native Americans
- promotes a pluralist democracy in which many different groups can have an impact on policy
- electoral activites
- the high incumbency rate means that PGs can maintain relationships with incumbents for many years
- they don't have to spend time & money building a new relationship with a new official
- the weakness of the parties means elected officials need PGs to finance their campaign
- could be seen as corrupt & promoting elitism because only the wealthiest individuals & groups can afford to significantly fund electoral camapaigns
- increases the likelihood of the winner being the one who spends the most
- undermines pluralist democracy
- the high incumbency rate means that PGs can maintain relationships with incumbents for many years
- direct democracy
- gives PGs cause a greater mandate & legitimacy as it has support from large amount of voters
- helps to increase political participation
- PGs need a large amount of money to campaign for initiatives & recall elections
- the wealthier side often wins which seems undemocratic
- indirect action
- often seen as the most politically & morally legitimate method as it is conducted peacefully & respectably by citizens
- politicians may be more likely to listen
- large amounts of money may be needed
- active members are needed to carry out indirect action on a daily basis
- often seen as the most politically & morally legitimate method as it is conducted peacefully & respectably by citizens
- direct action
- provides a back-up for PGs that don't have the support from officials in the normal political channels
- can increase the support for a cause
- this gives a greater mandate & legitimacy so it's more likely to succeed
- could give a PG a bad reputation or negative media coverage
- politicians are less likely to support a PG with a negative reputation
- don't want to compromise their own position
- lobbying
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