Critically Assess the Way Governments Are Influenced by Pressure Groups

Critically assess the ways in which governments are influenced by pressure groups

Finer described a pressure group as ‘organisations...trying to influence the policy of public bodies in their own chosen direction; (unlike political parties) never themselves prepared to undertake to direct government of the country’ (Baggott 1995: 3). Pressure groups have a considerable influence on policy outputs. The ways in which pressure groups influence governments differs depending on them being insider or outsider groups and the type of actions they decide to take. Insider groups are seen as legitimate by the government and will be consulted in the policy making process whereas outsider groups either lack the recognition, resources and political sophistication to gain insider status or choose to be outsiders as they do not believe that their objective can be achieved by conventional political means (Axtmann 2003:158). Insider status is generally seen as the most effective way of influencing governments. It should be noted however status and strategy should not be confused. Just because pressure groups have insider status does not mean they won’t pursue a broader political strategy (Baggott 1995: 20).

The ways in which governments are influence by pressure groups also depends on the ‘distribution of power within a given political system’ (Axtmann 2003:158). For example, in the United States where the legislature has substantial political importance, lots of lobbying activity is likely to take place. Whereas countries like the UK which are executive led are more likely to be influenced by pressure groups through consultation about policy, with insider groups having close relationships ministers and civil servants as these will be the key policy makers. However multi-level government which have developed in Europe seem to be much harder to influence (Axtmann 2003:158).

Insider Pressure Groups

A lot of pressure groups activity is invisible to the public eye, however...