A Level Politics - Pressure Groups- Relative Power of Pressure Groups vs. Political Parties in the USA

A Level Politics - Pressure Groups- Relative Power of Pressure Groups vs. Political Parties in the USA
This guide analyzes the relative power of pressure groups and political parties in influencing US policy, acknowledging the complexity and diversity within both categories.
I. Political Parties:

• Strengths:
  • Broad Policy Influence: Parties formulate policy across all government sectors, unlike narrowly focused pressure groups.
  • Electoral Power: They nominate and support candidates for all levels of office (legislature, presidency).
  • Legislative Power: Control of Congress (both houses) grants significant legislative power.
  • Executive Power: Holding the presidency allows direct control over federal government policy.
  • "Big Tent" Approach (Potential Weakness): While encompassing diverse views, this can lead to internal conflict and diluted policy focus.
• Mechanisms of Influence:
  • Direct control of government branches (through elections)

II. Pressure Groups (Interest Groups):

• Strengths:
  • Focused Advocacy: Concentrate efforts on specific issues or sectors, allowing for highly targeted lobbying.
  • Effective Lobbying: Utilize campaign donations, professional lobbyists, and cultivated relationships with Congress and the executive branch. The "revolving door" phenomenon (movement of personnel between government and lobbying) strengthens these relationships.
  • Economic Power: Corporations, particularly those deemed "too big to fail," exert significant influence due to their economic importance and job creation.
  • Number and Diversity: The sheer volume and variety of pressure groups (hundreds of thousands) make generalization difficult; some are highly influential while others are less so.
• Mechanisms of Influence:
  • Lobbying of Congress and the executive branch
  • Campaign donations
  • "Revolving door" effect
  • Economic leverage (e.g., "too big to fail")
  • Public awareness campaigns (indirect influence)
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited Scope: Focus on specific issues, limiting overall policy impact compared to parties.
  • Internal Divisions: While focused, internal disagreements can weaken their effectiveness.
  • Dependence on Resources: Success hinges on financial resources and organizational capacity.

III. Iron Triangles:
The text mentions "iron triangles," a concept illustrating the close relationships between some large corporations, influential interest groups, and government agencies (particularly in Congress and the executive). These alliances create powerful, self-reinforcing networks that can significantly shape policy in specific sectors. This reinforces the point that well-organized pressure groups can wield considerable influence.
IV. Debate: Which is More Powerful?
There is no single answer. The relative power of parties and pressure groups is context-dependent and varies depending on the specific issue, the political climate, and the resources available to each.
Study Questions:

1. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both political parties and pressure groups in detail. Provide examples of each.
2. Explain how the "revolving door" phenomenon enhances the influence of pressure groups.
3. Discuss the role of "iron triangles" in shaping policy. How do they illustrate the interplay between pressure groups and political parties?
4. Consider the impact of campaign finance laws on the relative power of parties and pressure groups.
5. How does the size and diversity of pressure groups affect their overall influence? Can you classify pressure groups based on their power and effectiveness?
6. Give examples of how political parties and pressure groups have influenced specific policy decisions in recent US history. Which actor was more influential in each instance?​

To learn more about A Level Politics Click Here