1.3b Functions of Pressure Groups Flashcards
Political representation
Pressure groups represent their members, sections of society, or causes, in the political sphere.
Pressure groups can speak for and defend minorities, so that they have a voice in society.
Pressure groups can help prevent a ‘tyranny of the majority’ (when the majority of the electorate impose their interests and policies on society at the expense of the minority).
The Police Federation aggregates concerns of policemen in the UK.
The National Union of Teachers represents teachers
Government scrutiny
Some pressure groups scrutinise (examine closely) government policies and legislation, offering suggestions for how it may be improved.
Insider groups often carry out this scrutiny function.
Pressure groups enable debate on important issues to take place
On certain issues there will be pressure groups making the case on both sides, so encouraging debate.
In the debate over the building of a third runway at Heathrow airport, the British Chambers of Commerce have argued for a third runway whilst the No Third Runway Action Group (NoTRAG) have argued against plans for the runway.
Political eduation
Pressure groups look to promote the education of the public around the issues which they are concerned with.
Migration Watch UK provides information on immigration numbers for the public.
Muslim Council of Britain look to increase the education of the public around Islam.
Political participation
Joining a pressure group allows for increased political participation through alternative means to voting and in between elections.
‘We Demand a Referendum’ Group dropped off a petition at Downing Street with 100,000 signatures in 2012 calling for a referendum on EU membership.
Pressure groups also enable participation in local level politics
The pressure group Stop Somerset Cuts have protested against the Somerset County Council’s proposals for cuts in public services by 2020.
Influencing policy
Pressure groups can act as a vital source of expert information and advice to governments. Insider pressure groups are regularly consulted in formulating policy.
For example: the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents works to change policy.
Pressure groups also try to influence policy through public pressure with the aim of influencing the government through pressure from voters. Outsider pressure groups aim to influence in this way.
