‹ All questionsPaper 1 · 2025 · 30 marks
Using the source, evaluate the view that the most important factor in deciding the influence of pressure groups are the methods they use.
Pressure Groups
Source
The following two extracts consider what is important for the success of pressure groups. The writer of the first extract believes that the methods or tactics used by pressure groups are most important. The writer of the second extract believes that success for pressure groups depends on more factors than only their methods or tactics.
Extract 1
Tactics or methods used by pressure groups determine their influence. Getting the media on side is vital in establishing a positive image. Consider the coverage gained by the ITV drama for the sub-postmasters and the influence it had. Pressure groups have found that shock tactics or direct action gets publicity and therefore influence. Other pressure groups use educational methods to grow their influence. This is how many environmental pressure groups have gained influence. For example, they have explained the dangers of climate change. Pressure groups can and do achieve influence by making donations to political parties in the hope that they will adopt their ideas - in a similar manner pressure groups use lobbying to influence key political targets. At times certain pressure groups will make effective use of the Courts to obtain influence.
Extract 2
The status of pressure groups is what determines their level of influence. Insider groups invariably always have more influence than outsider groups. The governing party in power acts to either enable or discourage the influence of pressure groups. A friendly government is worth far more than thousands of members in a pressure group. Another factor on influence is the opposition pressure groups face from other groups. The public are now well informed about current political issues and hence to achieve success and influence, a reasoned and well thought through case must be made by a pressure group. Shock tactics and direct action can be counterproductive. The pressure group 'Just Stop Oil' gained little additional influence with its tactics, and many felt alienated by its methods. It is also argued that the influence of pressure groups is down to chance events and what issues the public decide to support at any given time. Ultimately influence comes about through the combination of factors not tactics or methods alone.
Mark scheme: agreement
AO1: Getting the media on side is an important tactic for pressure groups.
AO2: Getting the media to be supportive, and to publicise the pressure group even where not supportive, is vital for its influence.
AO3: We can conclude that effective media coverage and support is a tactic that makes a larger difference to influence.
AO1: Shock tactics and direct action have a tremendous impact on pressure groups' influence.
AO2: Shock tactics or direct action raise the profile of pressure groups, attracting more members and wider knowledge of the group.
AO3: We can conclude that even if the direct-action causes problems the profile-raising is what really matters to get an issue on the political agenda – for example with Just Stop Oil.
AO1: Educating and raising awareness with the public is effective at then influencing decision makers.
AO2: If a pressure group can use tactics that effectively educate and raise awareness, they gain long term advocates for their cause.
AO3: When pressure groups can convert others and make them aware of problems, influencing decision makers in turn, this is long lasting and highly productive.
AO1: Many pressure groups ensure influence by donation to political parties.
AO2: Some pressure groups gain their influence via the contributions to party funds. The Trade Unions are big contributors to Labour and businesses make up a large percentage of Conservative Party donations.
AO3: We arrive at a verdict that if a pressure group has sufficient funds it can buy its influence as an effective tactic.
Mark scheme: disagreement
AO1: The status of a pressure group, rather than tactics, primarily determines its influence.
AO2: The status and category of a pressure group determines the amount of influence which it has. Some pressure groups are classed as 'insiders' who have a close and productive relationship with key decision makers. In contrast 'outsider' groups have no such avenues of influence.
AO3: Hence, we can conclude that status and contact with decision makers determines influence and some pressure groups such as the NFU, the RSPCA and NSCC enjoy this privilege regardless of tactics.
AO1: The attitude and view of the incumbent government is likewise a major determinant of pressure group influence.
AO2: Pressure group influence is heavily affected by the political position of the incumbent government. If the government's view agrees with a pressure group, then the legislation is likely to align with its aims. If the government is opposed, then the pressure group has very limited influence.
AO3: We can conclude that the government's ideological compatibility with the group is ,more significant than tactics.
AO1: The public are now well informed about political issues, so a rational case is needed rather than simply swaying them through tactics.
AO2: In modern society the public are less swayed by emotion and do not readily accept the claims made by pressure groups without reasoned evidence, especially as there are opposing pressure groups and interests that give a credible counter-case.
AO3: We can conclude that whilst a pressure group may argue one side in a debate, the public will act rationally in coming to a judgement.
AO1: Direct action or shock tactics can at times be counterproductive for a pressure group and cause influence to be lost.
AO2: Not all tactics are effective: some can be counter-productive and reduce the influence which some pressure groups seek. Just Stop Oil could also be seen to support this point, as their disruption has arguably lost support for their cause.
AO3: We can conclude that whilst tactics may increase or decrease influence these factors can often balance out, making other factors more important.