Why Are Some Pressure Groups More Successful Than Others? Essay Example
Why Are Some Pressure Groups More Successful Than Others?
In this essay I shall analyse the comparative rate of success of Pressure Groups in general and why this success may differ.
A pressure group is an organization which seeks to influence policies of public bodies or employers. They do so either to protect the interests of their members (e.g. Trade Unions, NUT) or promote a cause (e.g. Greenpeace or RSPCA). Some pressure groups are more successful than others; there are many reasons for this.
One of the most important factors in determining the success of a pressure group is the question, what constitutes success? Different pressure groups have varying degrees of success and different methods of obtaining success and of course, success can only really be judged by the pressure group itself.
An important area which helps to determine a pressure group’s success is their relationship with the government. Insider pressure groups, that is pressure groups with links inside the government, or regular contact within decision making bodies, are more able to directly influence policies as these pressure groups are often consulted on legislation in their field or area, i.e what the pressure group is about. This gives them a chance to influence the legislature and make changes that favour the opinions of the group.
Outsider pressure groups on the other hand cannot use this technique to achieve success as they do not have the contacts or ties with government, outsider pressure groups are more likely to use direct action methods.
A pressure group’s relationship with the media can have a massive affect on their success, particularly with outsider pressure groups. Pressure groups that have the support of the media and then most likely the public have a much greater chance of pressurising the government, getting noticed and then getting their views heard and acted upon. This is because the government is accountable to the general public and therefore if the
In this essay I shall analyse the comparative rate of success of Pressure Groups in general and why this success may differ.
A pressure group is an organization which seeks to influence policies of public bodies or employers. They do so either to protect the interests of their members (e.g. Trade Unions, NUT) or promote a cause (e.g. Greenpeace or RSPCA). Some pressure groups are more successful than others; there are many reasons for this.
One of the most important factors in determining the success of a pressure group is the question, what constitutes success? Different pressure groups have varying degrees of success and different methods of obtaining success and of course, success can only really be judged by the pressure group itself.
An important area which helps to determine a pressure group’s success is their relationship with the government. Insider pressure groups, that is pressure groups with links inside the government, or regular contact within decision making bodies, are more able to directly influence policies as these pressure groups are often consulted on legislation in their field or area, i.e what the pressure group is about. This gives them a chance to influence the legislature and make changes that favour the opinions of the group.
Outsider pressure groups on the other hand cannot use this technique to achieve success as they do not have the contacts or ties with government, outsider pressure groups are more likely to use direct action methods.
A pressure group’s relationship with the media can have a massive affect on their success, particularly with outsider pressure groups. Pressure groups that have the support of the media and then most likely the public have a much greater chance of pressurising the government, getting noticed and then getting their views heard and acted upon. This is because the government is accountable to the general public and therefore if the