If someone could mark this part of a past paper I did please?! It's from January 2009 on pressure groups.
USING EXAMPLES, DISTINGUISH BETWEEN SECTIONAL AND PROMOTIONAL PRESSURE GROUPS (5)
Sectional pressure groups represent a specific area of society and its interests. An example of a sectional group is Age UK, who campaign for the elderly.
On the other hand, promotional pressure groups promote/fight for a specific cause which may not directly benefit its members. An example is the environmental group 'Greenpeace'.
EXPLAIN THE METHODS USED BY PRESSURE GROUPS TO INFLUENCE GOVERNMENT (10)
One method used by pressure groups to influence government is lobbying. This occurred in 2011-12 when the Welfare Reform Act was being drafted and ministers and civil servants were subjected to much lobbying. It is where groups ambush them in order to influence the development of legislation.
Another method used by pressure groups to influence government is a direct form - protesting. In 2003, thousands marched against military intervention in Iraq. Also, in 2011, students took to the streets protesting against rises in university tuition fees. Protesting can attract substantial media coverage and can therefore force the government's hand.
A third way that pressure groups can try and influence government is through petitions. For example, websites like 38 Degrees allow a platform for this to take place. If a petition gains enough signatures it can be held in a parliamentary debate.
TO WHAT EXTENT DO PRESSURE GROUPS PROMOTE PLURALIST DEMOCRACY? (25)
Pluralist democracy is where a wide variety of groups and views are represented and these views are taken into account in Parliament when making decisions.
Pressure groups can be said to promote pluralist democracy because they defend the views of the minority. Groups such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society fight on behalf of those who have such diseases, which would otherwise go unrepresented. However, it can be counter-argued that minority voices who lack funding can be drowned out by those who can afford better resources and can use wealth to sway decisions in their favour. Examples are the British Confederation Industry or the British Banking Association, who have much more money and resources to influence the current Conservative government than small groups such as Fathers For Justice.
Pressure groups can also be said to promote pluralist democracy because of recent partisan dealignment. This is where people no longer tend to strongly affiliate with a particular party. Pressure groups therefore represent the views of the those who have specific demands, compared to political parties that cater to broad interests. For example, trade unions argue for workers' rights and on issues such as pay and employment conditions. Political parties such as the Conservatives are less likely to focus on this cause as it would mean more spending. Additionally, animal rights' groups such as Animal Welfare support the protection of animals in a society where most people eat meat.
However, certain groups may have more influence if they are of greater size, which may drown out the voice of those who have a strong case but little following. An example of this is Animal Welfare against Countryside Alliance (100,000+ members).
Thirdly, pressure groups may promote pluralist democracy in the sense that they use a variety of platforms in order to receive peoples' views and mobilise support. An example is through 38 Degrees which provides an online platform for pressure groups to create petitions, discuss views and organise further action. This supports pluralism because it helps to open up opportunities for membership and forms of action which can influence the government.
However, the greater move towards technological tactics may end up alienating those without Internet access, such as the elderly.
In conclusion, pressure groups can be argued to support pluralist democracy. This is because they provide support for the minority, represent those who have specific interests due to lack of party affiliation and have made greater use of technology. However, elitist a counter this view, arguing that power is concentrated in the hands of a few and only a select number of pressure groups with great size and wealth have a real influence on the activities and decisions in government.