1. In your groups discuss ways that we as citizens can get involved with the democratic process

3. Today we will…. Success Criteria
To outline the role of pressure groups and methods used
To evaluate the influence pressure groups can have on the democratic process
Success Criteria
To note the role of pressure groups and methods used by these groups to influence the democratic process.

4. What is a pressure group?
A pressure group is a group of individuals working together in pursuit of a common cause. Pressure groups try to influence public policy through their actions in support of a specific cause
Members of pressure groups join together as they share similar views on a specific issue or a range of issues linked to a them.
Pressure groups are not political parties and do not want to become the government.
It can be difficult for individuals on their own to influence policy and political decisions and a group of like-minded individuals working together can have more impact and can be more successful in getting their concerns heard by the government, the general public and the mass media.

5. Why join a pressure group?
To protest about issues you feel strongly about and get these recognised by those in power
It’s a way of participating in politics out with elections
Strength in numbers
Why join a
pressure group?
To get support from like-minded people
More effective if resources are grouped together (eg. expertise, money, transport)

6. Why are pressure groups powerful?
Members usually pay a membership fee, so there is money to employ full-time staff to organise and fund campaigns.
Membership is nationwide, so the message is broadcast throughout the land.
The media may be attracted to the cause of the pressure group due to the large number of people involved.

7. Why are pressure groups powerful?
The public reaction to the pressure group’s issue, will give the government an idea of how strongly people feel about that issue.
Pressure groups are often very knowledgeable and are experts on an issue, therefore the government will ask for their help when drawing up a Bill:
Eg. RSPCA on animal issues,
Eg. Age Concern when reviewing provision for the elderly.

8. Example: Fathers for Justice
Main aim is to campaign for a child’s right to see both of his or her parents and both sets of grandparents when a couple has separated or divorced.
They draw attention to their cause by dressing up as superheroes and taking part in protest and demonstrations.

9. Types of Pressure Groups
Cause Groups
(Promotional Groups)
Interest Groups
(Sectional Groups)
Feel strongly about a particular cause.
Want to help a group in society:
Eg. elderly, disabled, children, poor
Try to influence public opinion.
Examples:
Shelter – helps the homeless
Amnesty – helps to free political prisoners
Age Concern – helps the elderly
Interested only in representing their members.
May represent groups such as doctors. lawyers, or teachers.
Try to improve conditions for them
Examples:
EIS – Educational Institute of Scotland (teachers)
BMA – British Medical Association (doctors)

10. Answer in full sentences!!!
Answer in your jotter
What is a pressure group?
Why would someone want to join a pressure group?
What is the difference between a ‘cause group’ and an ‘interest group’?
Give examples of ‘cause groups’ and ‘interest groups’.
Answer in full sentences!!!

11. Insider Groups
Insider groups are seen as helpful by the Government and are often consulted on issues at the earliest stage.
Insider groups have the most power.
Eg. Age Concern

12. Outsider Groups
Outsider groups have less influence over the Government’s decision making process.
Outsider groups are more likely to take part in publicity stunts that attract media attention.
Eg. Fathers for Justice

13. ‘Insider’ and ‘Outsider’ Groups
Aims are incompatible with govt. policies; little/no expertise; not consulted by govt; take direct action.
Extinction Rebellion threatened to disrupt Heathrow with drones, June-July 19.
Outsider Groups
Insider Groups
Govt
Aims support govt. policies; expertise; regularly consulted by govt; lobby.
CBI: “After persistent CBI lobbying, Parliament approves Heathrow expansion.” 25/06/18
PRESSURE GROUPS CLIP-
Makes the decision
Example: Should there be a third runway at Heathrow?

14. Pressure Group Methods / Actions
Lobbying MPs
Letter Writing / s
Using the Mass
Media
Pressure Group Methods / Actions
Public Petitions
Poster & Leaflet Campaigns
Illegal Protests & Publicity Stunts
Marches & Demonstrations

15. Marches and Demonstrations
Thousands or even tens of thousands of people can take to the streets with banners, leaflets and loud speakers (megaphones).
This attracts media attention and can therefore influence the government.
They have a responsibility to inform the police of their demonstration and not break the law.

16. Marching / Demonstrating, Boycott companies Outsider
Pressure Group
Issue
Method
Insider / Outsider
Greenpeace
Pollution
Global Warming
Greenhouse Effect
Leaflets, Posters,
Advertising,
Marching / Demonstrating,
Boycott companies
Outsider
Pressure Group
Issue
Method
Insider / Outsider
Amnesty International
Human Rights Violations
Leaflets, Posters,
Advertising,
Marching / Demonstrating,
Boycott companies
Outsider

17. Scottish Council for Single Homeless Homelessness Lobbying
Pressure Group
Issue
Method
Insider / Outsider
Scottish Council for Single Homeless
Homelessness
Lobbying
- s & Phone calls
Insider
Pressure Group
Issue
Method
Insider / Outsider
Age Concern
Pensions
Lobbying
- s & Phone calls
Insider

18. Pressure Group
Issue
Method
Insider / Outsider
Greenpeace
Pollution
Global Warming
Greenhouse Effect
Leaflets, Posters,
Advertising,
Marching / Demonstrating,
Boycott companies
Outsider
Amnesty International
Human Rights Violations
Scottish Council for Single Homeless
Homelessness
Lobbying
- s & Phone calls
Insider
Age Concern
Pensions

19. EIS March and Rally Oct 2018
The EIS (Educational Institute of Scotland), alongside other teaching unions such as the SSTA organised a march and rally in Glasgow to highlight the “Value Teachers, Value Education” campaign related to teachers’ pay in Scotland. It is estimated that between 25,000 – 30,000 people marched through Glasgow City Centre on Sat 27th Oct. This is far higher than the original estimate of 5000 people expected to attend.
TASK 1:
Read the short article about the EIS march on the blog.
Is the EIS a pressure group?
What issue are they highlighting?
When you have read this, read the Extinction rebellion article and write a few sentences about their aim, are they an insider or outsider pressure group?
Do you think they are a success?

21. Marches and Demonstrations

22. Direct action
Direct action can get a lot of media coverage and show the Government that there are very strong feelings about an issue. It can also raise the profile of a campaign amongst ordinary people and encourage them to write to their representatives.
For example,
The pressure group “Bairns not Bombs” used direct action in 2015 in the form of a blockade of the entrance to the Faslane Naval Base in protest of nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are still housed on the Clyde however the base was successfully closed for a day due to the blockade.

23. Illegal Protest / Publicity Stunts
Trespassing and climbing on top of buildings (eg. F4J at Buckingham Palace or the Scottish Parliament)
Blocking Motorways
To support reduced fuel charges
Rioting
Occupying land illegally
In protest of growing GM crops
Releasing animals into the community
Throwing paint and eggs at politicians
Demonstrator throws eggs at David Prescott (2001)

26. Poster and Leaflet Campaigns
These draw attention to an issue/campaign. Both Individuals and the media could be influenced.
Sometimes celebrities are used to draw support for the campaign.
Can persuade people who are not members of the pressure group to write to their representatives, join the pressure group or take action themselves.

27. For example, Age concern produce posters to raise awareness of abuse faced by pensioners.

28. Petitions
Petitions with a lot of signatures look impressive and can get media attention.
A petition with enough signatures shows the government that a pressure group has widespread support. These petitions must be specific to devolved powers otherwise they can be sent to the UK Parliament.
These petitions can be heard by the public petitions committee and taken forward to the chamber if it is seen as an issue which has a lot of support.
A petition only requires one signature it can be considered by MSPs for a debate in Parliament.
For example, a petition to extend adoption rights to children over the age of 18 was closed in November 2019 of this year by the public petitions committee.

30. Mass Media
Mass media is where most people get most of their information about politics.
It therefore has a lot of influence.
Some forms of action, such as marches, demonstrations and petitions will get a lot of coverage in the media.

31. Mass Media Pressure groups can also use the mass media directly.
They can place adverts in newspapers or on television. Stories and research can be given to key journalists.
Interviews can be given. Websites can be created and social media used.

32. Influence of the Media Weekly Newspaper Circluation
13,500 people read The Sun.
12,000 people read The Daily Mail.
5000 people read The Guardian.
4000 people read The Herald.
(Paper and online newspapers)
Daily TV viewers
2000 people watch Sky news.
18,000 watch the ITV channel.
25,000 watch the BBC 1 channel.
44,000 watch all/any TV channels.

33. Lobbying
This is often done at the same time as delivering a petition or after a march and demonstration. Individual MSPs will meet with representatives from the pressure group involved and listen to their arguments.
For example, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is regularly lobbied by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. As she was a member of this pressure group before joining the SNP. This allows this pressure group to have a significant amount of influence as Nicola Sturgeon campaigns on their behalf drawing attention to the cause.

34. Letter Writing Campaigns
Writing to MSPs or newspapers to highlight a cause. If an MSP receives one letter it will not have much impact. If an MP receives 1,000s of letters it makes a big impression. Letters can help to persuade the Government that there is strong public opinion on an issue.

35. Discuss in your groups Which methods do you think are
(a) Most effective and WHY???
(b) Least effective and WHY???

36. P E oint xplain xample 8 marks 4 marks = 2 PEEs 6 marks = 3 PEEs
Describe, in detail, the methods that pressure groups use to influence the Government.
8 marks P E
oint
xplain
xample
4 marks = 2 PEEs
6 marks = 3 PEEs
8 marks = 3 PEEs

37. Example answer P E
One method pressure groups use to influence the Government is Public Petitions.
This is when pressure groups try to collect as many signatures as possible in support of their issue. Petition’s can be powerful because if they receive only one signature they can be referred to the Public Petitions Committee and MSPs may debate over this. Petitions are usually used in conjunction with other methods such as demonstrations.
For example, in 2006, pupils from All Saints Secondary took their petition to Parliament about reducing the price of alcohol to the Scottish Government.