Theory which suggests that political power in a society does not rest simply with the electorate nor with governing elie but is distributed among a number of groups
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What does the term 'elitism' mean?
Theory which suggests that political power in society rests with a small group who gain power through wealth, family status or intellectual superiority
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How can pressure groups be catergorised?
Institutional (seek to prepresent other organisations and groups) or membership (seek individuals)
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Explain main functions of pressure groups?
Representation, aid citizen participation, enhance public education, agenda building and programme monitoring
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Why do people join pressure groups?
Material benefits, purposive benefits or solidarity benefits
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What is lobbying?
An attempt to exert influence on the policy-making, legislative or judicial process by individuals or organised groups
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Describe work of pressure groups in terms of publicity
TV ads, public policy journals, roadside hoardings, bumper stickers, badges or even promotional DVDs straight to legislators
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Describe the work of pressure groups in terms of grassroot activity
Postal 'blitz' on Congress, firms exist to orchestrate mail etc, marches and demonstrations and some even resort to violence and disorder
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What are PACs?
Pressure groups that collect money from their members and then give it to candidates and political parties who suport their interests
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What is the 'K Street corridor'?
The presence of pressure groups in DC are only one main corridor, K Street
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Name 4 policy areas where pressure groups have had much infuence
Civil rights (NAACP), environmental protection (Greenpeace), women's rights (EMILY's List) and gun control (NRA)
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What impact do pressure groups have on Congress?
Make direct contact with members, their staff, committee members, they can also organise constituents to write, email etc. and public voting records
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What impact do pressure groups have on the Executive?
Seek to maintain ties with relevant executive depts, 'lapdog' problem, WH may talk to pressure groups to gain their support
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What impact do pressure groups have on the Judiciary?
Lively interest in appointments to SC, ABA ratings. amicus curiae briefings and can use the courts to actively change the law
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What impact do pressure groups have on state government?
Tend to focus their efforts on the state where their issue is most centred and then they use lobbying techniques
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Where are the access points for pressure groups in America?
Electoral process, state propositions and initiatives, congressional committees, congress members, congress' staff, WH, amicus curiae briefings and landmark decisions in federal courts
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What did the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (2007) aim to achieve?
To close the 'revolving door' with the cooling off period being extended to 2 years
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Explain the main arguments for pressure groups
Provide legislators and bureaucrats with info, bring order to political debate, broaden oppurtunities for participation, accountability, representation, freedom of speech
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Explain the main arguments against pressure groups
Revolving Door Syndrome. the Iron Triange, inequality of groups, special interests vs. public interest, buying political influence, direct action
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What is Revolving Door Syndrome?
The practise by which former members of Congress take up jobs as proffesional lobbyists in DC and use their expertise and contacts to their advantage
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What is the Iron Triange?
A term used to describe a strong relationship between pressure groups, the relevant congressional committee and relevant government depts.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What does the term 'elitism' mean?
Back
Theory which suggests that political power in society rests with a small group who gain power through wealth, family status or intellectual superiority
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