Exam 16: Advocacy Groups, Social Movements, and Lobbying

Correct Answer:

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Answers will vary but should discuss three of the following: sympathy of the government, access to the government, information, financial position of government, members, cohesion, money, leadership and prestige, popularity of the cause, absence of opposition. The following is a sample answer:
Sympathy of the government and access to policymakers are probably most important factors determining the success of an advocacy group. If a basic correspondence exists between the demands of the group and the government's stated objectives, the advocacy group will have greater success than if there is a vast gap in ideological perspective. For example, in the Mulroney government, the CCCE was widely seen as actually setting the agenda of the business-oriented Mulroney government, while the CLC was virtually ignored. The sympathy of the government should normally entail ready access, especially at the political level. But groups may well establish their standing with bureaucratic policymakers, regardless of the party in power. At the political or bureaucratic levels, hired political lobbyists are often able to provide groups or corporations with the kind of contact they desire. Information is a third crucial resource in advocacy group politics. Especially at the bureaucratic level, any vital information that is lacking as the public service drafts technical laws and regulations will be eagerly accepted. Even at the political level, the group may be able to present data and alternative analyses of policy that will lead ministers to rethink their proposals.