Analyse the differences in opportunities for interest groups in the US and UK.
US
Access points - ​Structural theory as
the unique federal structure of US and the
strict separation of power creates access
points and gives US pressure groups
greater access to decision makers
Weak/Strong parties​- Structural
differences as the UK system has a clear
national party leader and a very strong
whip system which presents very few
opportunities for pressure group influence
Number and frequency of
elections​- structural as the constitution
mandates regular elections every two
years which increases susceptibility to
pressure groups as they are more likely to
conform to pressure group wishes in
exchange for financial backing at their
next electoral campaign
UK
One reason why US pressure groups have UK is a more closed political structure as local
more influence is due to the higher number of government has less power and regional
potential access points: the federal structure assemblies have limited powers
of the US as well as the strict separation of ●
powers, creates many ways to access to
decision makers.
● US federal structure - many layers to
target, state legislatures and national
legislatures - potential for state-level or
national access, pressure groups can
target individual members of congress or
congressional committees
US pressure groups are also more influential due to The UK operates a strong whip system, strictly
the relatively weak party discipline in comparison to enforced by the party leader via the chief whip as the
the UK in which party discipline is strictly enforced as whip system enables the party to control the voting
US politicians are more independent , they make behaviour of mp’s.
good targets for pressure group lobbying
● In the US the strict separation of powers
in the US creates weaker national party
discipline , the vast size of the US means
that Senators and representatives are
more concerned with state-level
concerns, the US parties operate more at
a state level
● 2019 Mitt Romney voted for
impeachment against Trump