Pressure Groups.
A Pressure Groups is private organisations that have relatively narrow aims and that wish to influence to change or maintain government public policy.
Different from interest groups who do not seek to influence political policy (e.g. Church Groups etc.)
There are two types of pressure groups:
1. Sectional
2 Promotional
Different from interest groups who do not seek to influence political policy (e.g. Church Groups etc.)
There are two types of pressure groups:
1. Sectional
2 Promotional
Sectional Groups.
Are based on identifiable sub-groups of society and focus on achieving selective benefits for their members.
- corporate base and
- often concerned with economic matters
- permanent or long lasting
- closed membership
- reasonably well financed
- Insiders – strategic position gives them direct links with decision makers
Promotional Groups.
They form to advance a case that they believe will bring benefits to the broader society.
- open membership
- limited strategic power
- relatively limited finances
- very media orientated
Task.
Using the extract from a textbook complete the 'Pressure Groups' worksheet.
Pressure Groups and Democracy.
The question of whether liberal democracy is enhanced or distorted is a key issue in any discussion of the roles and methods of pressure groups.
How do Pressure Groups enhance the political system?
How do Pressure Groups distort the political system?
How do Pressure Groups enhance the political system?
- Pressure groups are a vital link between the government and the governed. They keep governments more responsive to the wishes of the community, especially in between elections.
- Pressure groups are able to express the views of minority groups in the community who might not otherwise receive a hearing.
- Pressure groups are able to use their expertise to provide the government with important information. This has often been the argument in relation to motoring organisations such as the RACV. It is also applicable to emerging issues, such as the Wik debate.
- Pressure groups offer an alternative source of advice to the government, separate from that coming from the Public Service.
- Pressure groups generally promote opportunities for political participation for citizens, without the need to join a political party. Moreover, they allow for the democratic rights of freedom of speech, assembly and association to be upheld.
How do Pressure Groups distort the political system?
- Pressure groups may represent a powerful minority force in society and exert political influence to the detriment of the majority of society. This is an argument often levelled at trade unions and business groups.
- Some pressure groups exert influence because of their financial position, membership or organisation. This influence may be out of proportion to their position in society.
- The use of direct action by pressure groups (eg. strikes by unions, demonstrations, blockades, pickets) can cause hardship to the community in general.
- Some pressure groups are not democratic in themselves. Some have powerful, but unrepresentative leaders who may not be representative of anyone but themselves. Some leaders do not reflect the opinions of their organisation's members.
Influencing change.
Aldous, Jules. Making and Breaking the Law, p. 72
To make effective laws, parliament must determine not only what is acceptable to individuals within society but also to society as a whole. Parliament, as a democratically elected law-making body, will usually respond to views that are perceived to be held by the majority of the community. Change is therefore likely to occur where groups of individuals take action. Groups of individuals who act collectively to raise awareness of the need for change in the law are known as pressure groups.
Change is more likely to occur if a number of people act together to influence a law- making body. Pressure groups- groups acting in common to effect change through influence—can use many of the methods used by individuals. For example, they can make an approach to a member of parliament. This method of direct approach is known as lobbying. The advantage of a pressure group is that the spokesperson can state that they represent a large proportion of the community and are therefore more able to influence the law-making body to take action.
Pressure groups take a variety of forms. They may consist of small groups, or they may be large organisations. Sometimes large companies employ people to lobby parliament for change. There are pressure groups that represent a particular cause or single issue. An example of a single-issue pressure group is the Save Albert Park group. The Right to Life group is another example of a single-issue pressure group. This group is concerned with laws prohibiting abortion.
Other pressure groups are concerned with a wide range of issues. For instance, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) represents the interests of doctors. They have expressed views on a range of issues such as laws relating to child abuse and change to Medicare.
Sometimes pressure groups, such as the National Association of Forest Industries, may represent the interests of a particular industry group. The National Association of Forest Industries provides services to its members, including media comment on forest industry issues and lobbying of law-making bodies. The National Association of Forest Industries has been vocal on issues such as economic policy, the conservation of forests and the regulation of water use.
Aldous, Jules. Making and Breaking the Law, pp. 73-74.
Change is more likely to occur if a number of people act together to influence a law- making body. Pressure groups- groups acting in common to effect change through influence—can use many of the methods used by individuals. For example, they can make an approach to a member of parliament. This method of direct approach is known as lobbying. The advantage of a pressure group is that the spokesperson can state that they represent a large proportion of the community and are therefore more able to influence the law-making body to take action.
Pressure groups take a variety of forms. They may consist of small groups, or they may be large organisations. Sometimes large companies employ people to lobby parliament for change. There are pressure groups that represent a particular cause or single issue. An example of a single-issue pressure group is the Save Albert Park group. The Right to Life group is another example of a single-issue pressure group. This group is concerned with laws prohibiting abortion.
Other pressure groups are concerned with a wide range of issues. For instance, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) represents the interests of doctors. They have expressed views on a range of issues such as laws relating to child abuse and change to Medicare.
Sometimes pressure groups, such as the National Association of Forest Industries, may represent the interests of a particular industry group. The National Association of Forest Industries provides services to its members, including media comment on forest industry issues and lobbying of law-making bodies. The National Association of Forest Industries has been vocal on issues such as economic policy, the conservation of forests and the regulation of water use.
Aldous, Jules. Making and Breaking the Law, pp. 73-74.
Methods.
There are a number of methods used to influence change:
The effectiveness of each actions depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the determination of the pressure group, the strength of the resistance, the degree of media coverage and public sympathy.
- Petitions- Under the standing orders which governs parliamentary procedures, a member of parliament may present a petition to parliament on behalf of the people in their electorate.
- Demonstrations- A pressure group may also organise a demonstration (a march, for example).
- Submission- Sending a submission to government inquiries of parliamentary committees. Although these bodies cannot change the law they make recommendations based on the submissions they receive.
The effectiveness of each actions depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the determination of the pressure group, the strength of the resistance, the degree of media coverage and public sympathy.
Task.
Using information placed around the room complete the 'Changing the law' worksheet.