Critics say that pressure groups benefit the well organised but they disadvantage the weakly organised, subsequently working against the public interest. This is because the pressure groups run on donations for their funding. As a result, a pressure group with as little as two or three wealthy advocates may end up becoming influential and having its cause heard by the government. However, its members may not represent as much of the population as is suggested by the pressure group’s standing, thus creating inequality. This is amplified by the fact that the larger pressure groups can leave many smaller ones in their shadow.
There are many reasons that the influence of a pressure group might be restricted. However, my three reasons are their relationship with the government, their relationship with the media and their financial situation. The most important area which determines a pressure groups influence is its relationship with the government. Insider pressure groups (like the BMA or Police Federation), or pressure groups with regular contact within decision making bodies, are more likely to be able to directly influence policy as they are close to the government, who will sometimes ask for their advice on matters which are of concern to them. Therefore they have a chance to influence legislation and steer it in a direction supported by the group.
It is difficult for a Backbench MP to influence government policy if a government has a large majority in Parliament. The power of individual backbench MPs is reduced making it harder to challenge the government. Also, the PM has powers of patronage which demand loyalty; few MPs want to cause a general election by defeating the government. Thus accepting their fate as lobby
The presence and power of pressure groups in a state depends on a number of factors. Pressure groups can be reached out by the govt or can keep themselves from it. However, there are numerous factors which make pressure groups a backbone of democracy while other factors undermine it. Pressure groups enhance pluralism, which is a characteristic of democracy, as it encourages competing centres of power, representation and choice. Especially true where pro and anti- groups coexist, depicting all shades of opinion.
By having whips who ensure that MPs behave in accordance to the decisions of the executive both Parliaments ability to scrutinise and hold the executive to account is diminished, but also their role as representatives of their individual constituency is also compromised. For example with
Pressure groups are mostly seen to be a major part of how democracy functions in the UK, however whether they undermine democracy is a question that has always been raised. They are mostly seen as to help democracy rather than hinder it however, as they help to represent the opinions and needs of minorities, as well as give an extra platform for participation. One of the ways in which pressure groups can undermine democracy is that they concentrate power,meaning some groups are able to influence the government more than others. These types of groups are ones such as the BMA and BDA, wealthy insider groups which a close and established relationship with the government and have direct access to decision makers, allowing them to influence policies
Regulation is the application of laws and rules created by the government, designed to correct percieved market failure. Market failure occurs when resources are not allocated in the best possible way. In order for regulation to be effective, the government will require enough information in order to correct market failure. There are a number of problems with regulation, the first is that it is often difficult and costly to impliment. In the case of pollution and carbon emissions, it is very hard to actually measure the level of carbon emissions being produced from a company.
There are three distinct differences between political culture and political opinion which will be discussed throughout this essay. These include individualistic versus shared values, what influences political culture and political opinion, and what creates such difference in both. Political Culture Political culture is described as certain attitudes and practices by persons who shape political behavior. Political culture includes the beliefs, myths, ideas, our moral judgments and political myths about what makes a society ‘good’ or ‘successful.’ Political Culture is the subset of values and practices that relates to government and politics. Political culture is a reflection of the government, but also incorporates elements of history and tradition that may anticipate the current system.
There are two types of consumer reports: an investigative consumer report and a consumer report. Since backgrounds checks are being used more often people should be aware of what they are, what employers look for, and what are one’s rights? According to the FCRA, an investigative consumer report is a report that is based on interviews with employers, co-workers, neighbors or others and is most commonly used for employment or insurance investigations. Information such as a consumer's credit record shall not be included if it’s obtained from a creditor or a consumer reporting agency. A consumer report is based on supposed fact, but not always accurate information.
B) Explain the divisions that exist within the conservative party over ideas and policies. (10 marks) Due to changing policies in the face of different leaders division exist with the party over ideas and policies. The party may contain division in the way to move forward from their Thatcher past. Traditionalists hold a belief in an ordered society and a belief in a strong heavily involved government. The more liberal section of the party hold views in more environmental protection and those who seek to modernise the party, which was Cameron’s initiative, by promoting strong social justice.