Question: Evaluate the view that think-tanks lobbyists and PGs
have little impact on government decisions.
Paper: 1
Introduction
Define – PG is a broad term encompassing any political group that
attempts to influence those in power without seeking power themselves.
Debate – insider/outsider PG’s
Direction – general role has been reduced
Paragraph 1
Pressure Statement Evidence
Groups
Point Insider pressure groups have BMA pressured the gov
huge influence. Consulted on to increase spending on
how policies may affect different the NHS by 3.4% 19-24
groups within society. Often have CBI increased devolved
views in line with government – bodies power
influence greater
Counterpoin Outsider groups do not have the Extinction Rebellion
t same level of success. Maintain seeks to reduce
distance from gov to ensure greenhouse emissions
ideological purity – don’t want to to net zero by 2025.
compromise. Have to rely on Actions have led to
public campaigns and protests to public disapproval and
gain influence. legal repercussions.
Evaluation If objectives are mainstream then they have more of a
chance of influencing gov, especially is they are insider.
Most are not. What current issues are perceived as
important? = influence
Paragraph 2
Thinks Statement Evidence
Tanks
Point Specific type of insider group – Centre for Social Justice.
made up of experts. Due to Ian Duncan (founder)
expertise often consulted for was appointed into
inspiration and proposals. More government.
time and expertise = more
consistent and serious policies.
Counterpoin Depends on their political views. Fabian Society have
t Under conservatives, left-wing almost no influence on
think tanks less influential. Highly government policies.
ideological – many policies
therefore ignored or diluted as
too extreme.
Evaluation Completely dependent on ideological nature of thinks tanks
have little impact on government decisions.
Paper: 1
Introduction
Define – PG is a broad term encompassing any political group that
attempts to influence those in power without seeking power themselves.
Debate – insider/outsider PG’s
Direction – general role has been reduced
Paragraph 1
Pressure Statement Evidence
Groups
Point Insider pressure groups have BMA pressured the gov
huge influence. Consulted on to increase spending on
how policies may affect different the NHS by 3.4% 19-24
groups within society. Often have CBI increased devolved
views in line with government – bodies power
influence greater
Counterpoin Outsider groups do not have the Extinction Rebellion
t same level of success. Maintain seeks to reduce
distance from gov to ensure greenhouse emissions
ideological purity – don’t want to to net zero by 2025.
compromise. Have to rely on Actions have led to
public campaigns and protests to public disapproval and
gain influence. legal repercussions.
Evaluation If objectives are mainstream then they have more of a
chance of influencing gov, especially is they are insider.
Most are not. What current issues are perceived as
important? = influence
Paragraph 2
Thinks Statement Evidence
Tanks
Point Specific type of insider group – Centre for Social Justice.
made up of experts. Due to Ian Duncan (founder)
expertise often consulted for was appointed into
inspiration and proposals. More government.
time and expertise = more
consistent and serious policies.
Counterpoin Depends on their political views. Fabian Society have
t Under conservatives, left-wing almost no influence on
think tanks less influential. Highly government policies.
ideological – many policies
therefore ignored or diluted as
too extreme.
Evaluation Completely dependent on ideological nature of thinks tanks
