Transcript Democracy 11 Blog

Lesson Starter
Describe, in detail, the
advantages and
disadvantages of STV.
Today we will…
•Describe what a pressure
group is.
Success Criteria
• List the reasons why people
want to join pressure
groups.
• Explain the difference
between cause groups
(sectional and attitude) and
interest groups.
Pressure Groups: Membership
and Support
•Thousands pressure groups exist in UK
- from local groups to global
organisations.
•Some are funded with millions of
pounds, others survive on a shoestring
budget
Can you think of any names
of Pressure Groups?
Pressure Groups: Membership
and Support
•No matter how different the pressure
groups may be, they all have one common
aim: To put pressure on the government
to shape policy in line with the views of
the group.
•Not all pressure groups focus on trying
to influence the government, some target
private companies, e.g. ‘McSpotlight’ who
campaign against McDonalds.
Task
Why do people join Pressure Groups?
You will be given a list of reasons on why people
decide to join pressure groups.
With your shoulder partner, order the reasons in
order of importance.
You must be able to justify your choice with
evidence.
Why do people join Pressure Groups?
•A way to express yourself out with traditional
political arena i.e. elections
•A way to express yourself between elections
•To take part in campaigns – e.g. protest about
issues they feel strongly about not high on the
political agenda
•There is strength in numbers – a large group
more likely to be listened to than an individual
•More effective resources if grouped together
e.g. expertise, money, premises, transport etc
•To get support from like minded people
Types of Pressure Groups
Pressure groups can
be divided into 2
categories;
• cause groups and
• interest groups.
Each have very
different aims and
objectives, as well as
different levels of
power and influence.
Pressure
Groups
Cause
Groups
Interest
Groups
Cause Groups
• United by a view of how
society could be
improved for others.
Interested in causes
not directly linked to
members of the group
• Sectional cause groups
Promote the interests of
disadvantaged groups or
sections in society.
• United in their concern for
disadvantaged people, animals
or the environment. e.g.
Action Against Child Poverty
Can you think of any names
of cause groups?
Scottish Society for
the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals is
concerned about the
problems faced by…
Age Concern –
concerned about
the problems faced
by……..
• Shelter are another
cause group they are
concerned with the
problems faced by……
Attitude Cause Groups
• Groups of individuals who share a particular attitude and
• aim to influence public opinion and shape attitudes on a
particular issue e.g. Scottish Campaign for Nuclear
Disarmament
• SCND say that the banning of nuclear weapons would
benefit all of mankind – are they correct in this
statement?
Interest Groups
• Unlike cause groups
- these groups
represent only the
interests of their
members.
• Usually Trade Unions
and professional
associations….. can
influence the
government in
shaping policy
Can you think
of any names
of interest
groups?
This group
represents
teachers.
Types of Pressure Groups
Insider Pressure Group
Usually have expert
knowledge on an issue
Have access to government
and are often consulted
and listened to by
government when deciding
on policies, new
laws/changes to laws.
Work within the law.
Outsider Pressure Group
Are on the ‘outside’ of the
decision making process
and have less influence on
government.
Government does not
consult with them.
Usually use methods that
they hope will gain lots of
media attention.
Sometimes this involves
illegal methods.
Thinking Task: What did I
learn?
Lower order thinking
1. What are the names of the
different types of Pressure
Groups?
2. Who would want to join
these groups?
3. Can you predict any problems
with joining an outsider
group ?
Higher order thinking
Thinking Task: What did I
learn? Answers
1. Interest Groups, Cause Groups,
Attitude cause groups, Sectional Cause
Groups, Insider and Outsider Groups.
2. People who wanted to change things
for the better in society and who want
to join people who have similar views
as them.
3. Possible illegal actions may be taken.
Was I successful?
• List the reasons why
people want to join
pressure groups.
• Explain the difference
between cause groups
(sectional and attitude)
and interest groups.