The Influence of Pressure Groups on the Government Essay

The Influence of Pressure Groups on the Government This essay will outline the significance to which pressure groups have an influence on government and explain how they have fared under New Labour governments. Whilst the term ‘pressure groups’ may be relatively new, the concept itself dates back as far as 1787. The Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade was led by William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson and successfully campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade. (Jones, 2004, p233) Pressure groups are formed by a group of people who share a common interest or goal. The intention of the group is to raise the profile or the cause and/or advance it. Unlike political†¦show more content†¦Insider groups will regularly be consulted by the government. This consultative role is built up if a group has demonstrated a number of features: Authority – the ability of the group to speak on behalf of all of its members. Information – the group has expertise and information on a specific subject. Compatibility – of the objectives with that of the government. Compatibility – of the groups objectives with public sympathies. Track record – of giving good advice. Possession of powerful sanctions – if a group has the ability to seriously affect society through withdrawal of their services their interests may be viewed more sympathetically. (Jones, 2004, p239) Governments recognise the usefulness of pressure groups as a valuable source of information and expertise in helping them formulate policies. Governments will often consult with insider groups to find out about problems with their current policies along with suggestions for how this could be improved or to gauge negative feedback to new policies. By consulting the insider groups, government can also lend legitimacy to the policy. This is referred to as policy networking. (Jones, 2004 p237) In complete contrast to insiders groups, outsider groups have no direct access to the decision makers, as they do not fulfil the criteria laid down previously. With these distinctions is mind, itShow MoreRelatedWhy Might Different Pressure Groups Use Different Methods in Their Attempts to Influence the Government1821 Words   |  8 Pages‘Why might different pressure groups use different methods in their methods in their attempts to influence government’. Pressure groups are groups of like minded individuals who come together on the basis of shared interests or a commonly held cause in order to put pressure on policy makers at Westminster and beyond. 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