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neurologyYou need to know

• Pressure groups are organisations that seek to influence government policy, public opinion or legislation, but do not usually aim to win political power themselves.
• They play an important role in shaping the political agenda, meaning the issues that government, Parliament, the media and the public focus on.
• Pluralism is the idea that power in society is widely distributed and that many groups compete to influence government.
• In a pluralist democracy, pressure groups are seen as healthy and legitimate.
• They widen participation and representation.
• They help government hear a range of views.
• Critics of pluralism argue that not all groups are equal.
• Some have far more money, access and influence than others.
• This can mean wealthy or well-connected groups dominate decision-making.
• Promotional groups promote a cause, principle or issue.
• They seek to advance a broader idea rather than defend the direct interests of members.
• Examples: Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Liberty.
• Interest groups represent the interests of a specific section of society.
• They protect the material, economic or professional interests of members.
• Examples: National Farmers' Union (NFU), British Medical Association (BMA), trade unions.
• Insider pressure groups
• Have regular access to ministers, civil servants or parliamentary committees.
• Are often consulted by government because they provide expertise.
• Tend to use moderate, professional methods.
• Example: National Farmers' Union (NFU).
• The NFU is an insider group because it represents farmers, has specialist knowledge and is often consulted on agricultural and rural policy.
• Outsider pressure groups
• Have little or no regular access to government.
• Often rely on public campaigning, protest and media attention.
• May be excluded because of their tactics or because government disagrees with them.
• Example: Extinction Rebellion (XR).
• XR is an outsider group because it relies heavily on direct action, protest and disruption to pressure government on climate change.
• Methods used by pressure groups
• Lobbying ministers, MPs, peers and civil servants
• Submitting evidence to committees
• Petitions
• Demonstrations and marches
• Direct action and civil disobedience
• Court cases and legal challenges
• Research reports and policy briefings
• Media campaigns
• Social media activism
• Working with political parties
• Factors affecting influence
• Membership: large, active membership can give legitimacy and visibility.
• Resources: money, expertise, staff and time improve effectiveness.
• Leadership: strong leaders can attract media attention and support.
• Public support: popular causes are harder for government to ignore.
• Access to decision-makers: insider status often increases influence.
• Political context: a group may become more influential if its issue is high profile.
• Media coverage: positive or extensive coverage can increase pressure.
• Methods used: moderate tactics may gain access; radical tactics may gain attention but lose support.
• Links with political parties
• Some groups are closely linked to particular parties.
• Trade unions have historically had strong links with Labour.
• Business groups may often have stronger access to Conservative governments.
• Pressure groups can influence manifesto commitments and policy development.
• Links with government
• Governments may consult insider groups for technical knowledge.
• Pressure groups can help with policy formation and implementation.
• However, governments also choose which groups to listen to, so access is unequal.
• Links with the media
• Media coverage helps groups shape public debate.
• Groups often use headlines, images, reports and spokespersons to gain attention.
• Social media allows direct communication with supporters and the wider public.
• Other influences on government and Parliament
• Think tanks: organisations that develop policy ideas and research.
• Examples: Institute for Public Policy Research, Policy Exchange.
• Lobbyists: professionals paid to influence politicians and decision-makers on behalf of clients.
• Corporations: large businesses can influence policy because of their economic importance, expertise and resources.
• Media: can shape the political agenda by deciding which issues receive attention and how they are presented.
• Pressure groups and democracy
• Pressure groups can strengthen democracy by increasing participation, representation and scrutiny.
• They can give voice to minorities and overlooked interests.
• However, they can also weaken democracy if influence is unequal or dominated by wealth and privilege.

• Define ideology, party structure, party systems, party funding, party functions, minor parties and political agenda accurately.
• Explain the origins and development of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties.
• Show how party ideology shapes current policy positions.
• Compare the structures of the three main UK parties.
• Explain the main functions political parties perform in a democracy.
• Analyse the main sources of party funding and evaluate debates about fairness and influence.
• Assess the impact of the media on party image and electoral success.
• Explain why some parties win elections and others lose.
• Analyse how minor parties influence debate even when they win few seats.
• Evaluate the extent to which the UK is now a multi-party system.
• Make supported judgements about the impact of party competition on government and policy.
• Use accurate examples from recent UK politics to support argument