Living in a Democracy Pressure Groups FATHERS4JUSTICE

Why pressure groups?

What are Pressure Groups? Pressure groups are organisations made up of people who have come together because they feel strongly about an issue. They put pressure on individuals, parties, organisations or the Government. They may want to see the government introduce new laws or amend or repeal existing laws in support of their issue.

Why put pressure on individuals, Parties, organisations or The government? To get something done or changed Improve conditions for their members To stop something from happening

Pressure Groups Members of a Pressure Group are not elected In the UK membership of political parties is low but membership of Pressure Groups is high – runs into thousands! Membership of political parties has been falling over the last couple of years whereas membership of Pressure Groups has been rising Can you think of any reasons why?

Why are pressure groups powerful? Members pay a subscription, meaning more money is available to fund campaigns

Why are pressure groups powerful? If membership is nationwide, the message can be broadcast throughout the country

Why are pressure groups powerful? Groups can organise research into the issue and experts can explain the results to the public

Why are pressure groups powerful? When large numbers of people are involved, the media will pay attention.

Why are pressure groups powerful? A pressure group that gets a lot of public support can persuade the government to do something. Snowdrop Campaign Dunblane Massacre 1996 Ban on HandGuns 1997 Thomas Hamilton

Why are pressure groups powerful? Full-time staff can be employed to organise campaigns and keep the issues in the public eye.

Why are pressure groups powerful? Lobbyists can be employed to get the message across to Government Ministers.

Why are pressure groups powerful? The Government will often consult large pressure groups when drawing up a Bill. Animal issues Medical issues Elderly issues Law and order issues

Types of Pressure Groups Pressure Groups can be divided into 2 main groups – insider and outsider Insider Pressure Groups have close links with decision makers and are regularly consulted by them. They may attend meetings with ministers to share their expertise.

Outsider Groups These groups work outside the realms of governmental decision making They have fewer opportunities to influence the decision making process Both insider and outsider groups are either cause or interest pressure groups.

Insider groups are regarded by the government As potentially helpful and are consulted on issues. Outsider groups do NOT wield as much power as they Are NOT asked to consult with the government.

Types of pressure groups Cause Groups share a view about how life could be improved wish to help a particular disadvantaged group, e.g. children, the homeless, the elderly wish to change public opinion about an issue, e.g. animal experiments

Examples of Cause Groups Concerned with the care and protection of animals Campaigns on behalf of the homeless Works to get a better life for elderly people Concerned with the environment and the protection of endangered species RSPCA Shelter Scotland - The housing and homelessness charity Age Concern Scotland Greenpeace UK

Examples of Cause Groups Formerly the SSPCC, this works to protect Scottish children from abuse Works to free political prisoners, investigate human rights abuses and defend people’s rights Campaigns to end medical experiments on animals CHILDREN 1ST Amnesty International BUAV - British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection

Types of pressure groups Interest Groups try to improve economic conditions for their members, e.g. better pay for nurses try to create better working conditions for their members, e.g. improved health and safety in the workplace

Examples of Interest Groups Promotes the interests of business Promotes the interests of trade unions and their members Promotes the interests of its trade union members CBI - The Voice of Business Amicus - Unite the Union Trades Union Congress

How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process? Letter-writing campaign Members can send large numbers of letters to an MP or an MSP, in order to persuade them that there is strong public feeling for or against an issue.

How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process? Lobbying MPs or MSPs Individual representatives meet with members from the pressure group involved and listen to the arguments put forward.

How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process? Public Petitions Pressure groups will ask the public to sign a petition supporting their cause. This petition will be presented to the people in power, e.g. Scottish Government, UK Government, local council, in the hope they will give their support.

Marches and Demonstrations Large numbers of people take to the streets with banners, leaflets and loudspeakers. This can attract media coverage and can influence the government. How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?

Poster and Leaflet Campaigns Posters can be put in public places to draw the public’s attention to an issue. Leaflets can be posted to households, or distributed in shopping centres. These methods may persuade members of the public to take action themselves. How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?

Using the Mass Media Pressure groups use television, radio, newspapers and the internet to get their message across. Advertisements will be bought, broadcasts produced, stories, research and interviews will be given to journalists, and websites will be set up. How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?

Public Meetings Pressure groups can arrange these meetings to explain their proposals to the public. They may also attend or speak at public meetings organised by the government or local council to make sure their view is being heard. How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?

Direct Mailing Pressure groups will send members of the public publicity materials and requests for financial help. They may use the Royal Mail or local volunteers to deliver the letters or leaflets. How do pressure groups participate in the decision-making process?

Illegal Methods These are methods which break the law These methods can involve violence and blockades Can you think of any illegal methods used by Pressure Groups that have been on the news?

Illegal Methods In 2008 Greenpeace members climbed aboard a plane on Heathrow to protest against a third runway. In may 2004 two Fathers 4 Justice members threw condoms filled with purple flour into the House of Commons. One hit then Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Right and Responsibilities of Pressure Groups Right to: hold demonstrations and marches to put across a point of view be protected by the police at such events Responsibility to: act peacefully and respect the rights of those who disagree with you follow instructions given by the police not break the law

Right and Responsibilities of Pressure Groups Right to: publicise a cause, using posters, leaflets, letters to the press or publicity stunts speak freely about your beliefs Responsibility to: tell the truth and not misrepresent facts or offend people make sure that publicity stunts do not break the law or endanger the public

Right and Responsibilities of Pressure Groups Right to: contact representatives, such as MPs, MSPs and local councillors to persuade them to support your cause Responsibility to: work within the law and not threaten, intimidate or blackmail politicians

Right and Responsibilities of Pressure Groups Right to: collect signatures for a petition to present to representatives Responsibility to: ensure that signatures are not forged ensure that they honestly represent the views of those who have signed it

Effectiveness of Pressure Groups One of the key objectives of the Scottish Parliament is to encourage people to participate in decision making Pressure Groups can influence decision making through the Public Petitions Committee Pressure Groups often use the Public Petitions Committee to put forward their views and ask the parliament to make changes in the law

Pressure Groups and Democracy Some people argue that Pressure Groups add to democracy. They would argue: they improve government by challenging its decisions They offer an outlet for people not interested in mainstream politics. Do you agree or disagree with these points? Do Pressure Groups encourage people to take part in the Decision Making process?

Pressure Groups and Democracy However, some people argue that Pressure Groups represent a threat to democracy as they are only interested in themselves and their own issues. They would argue: they are not representative of their members Their leaders are not elected. Does this mean that people may be less likely to become involved in the decision making process?