What is happening in the picture? What do you think the people protesting are trying to do?

What is happening in this picture?

Society and Politics Politics and the Public

Key thoughts What are the roles of political parties? How do pressure groups contribute to democracy? How might we foster more public interest in politics? How can people have their say in an advanced democracy?

What do the logos have in common? People who have strong opinions on a particular issue often try to influence what happens by putting pressure on MP’s and people who make decisions. They are called pressure groups or sometimes lobby groups or protest groups Some pressure groups work to protect the interests of their members, such as trade unions. Others work to promote a cause, such as animals rights.

Which of these activities are extreme and illegal? Do you think violent tactics can every be justified? Ways of protesting Marches Demonstrations Staging stunts to attract the media Petitions Meeting government ministers Targeted violence against property National TV coverage Letter writing campaign – to MP’s & Newspapers Direct Action such as setting animals free Advertising campaign Violence against people Meeting MP’s Strike

RSPCA Which of the ways of protesting do you think the RSPCA is most likely to use? Which activities do you think would be most effective in influencing: – Public opinion – Politicians

Which of these activities are extreme and illegal? Do you think violent tactics can every be justified? Ways of protesting Marches Demonstrations Staging stunts to attract the media Petitions Meeting government ministers Targeted violence against property National TV coverage Letter writing campaign – to MP’s & Newspapers Direct Action such as setting animals free Advertising campaign Violence against people Meeting MP’s Strike

Are pressure groups good for democracy? The aim of a pressure group is to promote their cause so the people in power take notice. When this is a group like the RSPCA this is not a problem as most people would support the aims of the group. But when it is a cigarette company trying to influence the government to relax laws against smoking – some people we not be happy.

Sometimes pressures groups are in conflict with each other….. Government Policies on Transport Pedestrians Association Promotes walking and wants lower speed limits TBUS Promotes public transport Alternatives and want electric run buses SUSTRANS Campaigns for sustainable Transport. Wants more cycle networks Automobile Association Protects the interests of motorists Wants betters roads and cheaper Fuel prices

And finally……. Look at the arguments and sort them into statements FOR/AGAINST pressure groups. ForAgainst What’s your opinion? I think pressure groups are GOOD for society because….. I think pressure groups are BAD for society because…..

Jan 2012: ‘Pressure groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the animal rights group, are no more than a showcase for extreme views.’ How far do pressure groups represent the majority view of society? You might consider: the issues on which pressure groups campaign the methods they use to draw attention to their cause the role of pressure groups in a democratic society. (30 marks)

June 2010: The government plans to raise the school- leaving age to 18; it also wants all cars to be fitted with transmitters that would enable motorists’ speed to be monitored at all times. Discuss whether it is right that the government should have such a large influence on our lives. You might consider: the government laws and policies that most affect our lives the balance between our rights as individuals and the needs of society our freedom of choice (30 marks)