Democracy And Participation- Pressure Groups And Democracy Flashcards
Ways in which pressure groups could enhance democracy:
-disperse power and influence more widely
-educate public about important political issues
-give people more opportunities
-promote and protect minorities
-call govt to account
Ways in which pressure groups could enhance democracy:
Dispersion of power
Example
They help to disperse power and influence more widely.
Example: the British Medical Association (BMA) ensures that the voice of the medical community is heard when it comes to health policy.
Ways in which pressure groups may threaten democracy:
Dispersion of power
Example
Some groups are elitist and tend to concentrate power in the hands of too few people.
Example: the ‘revolving door’ involves special advisors to ministers getting well-paid jobs at lobbying firms, where they can exploit the contacts they made while in government.
Ways in which pressure groups could enhance democracy:
Educate the public
Example
They educate the public about important political issues.
Example: the Act for the Act campaign, founded in 2015, raised awareness of how the Human Rights Act has helped ordinary people.
Ways in which pressure groups may threaten democracy:
Educate public
Example
Some groups may distort information or seek to limit social and technological progress.
Example: Stop 5G is a group that is concerned about the potential health and environmental effects of 5G, but its claims are hotly contested. Some argue that instead of focusing on the negative effects of 5G, which are yet to be proven, it is better to focus on the economic benefits that 5G rollout could bring.
Ways in which pressure groups could enhance democracy:
Give people more opportunities
Example
They give people more opportunities to participate in politics without having to sacrifice too much of their time and attention.
Example: while more than 16 million registered voters chose not to cast their ballot at the 2019 general election, 38 Degrees estimates that nearly 40 million people have signed an e-petition since 2013.
Ways in which pressure groups may enhance democracy:
Give people more opportunities
Example
Those that are internally undemocratic may not accurately represent the views of their members and supporters.
Example: many pressure group leaders are unelected.
Ways in which pressure groups could enhance democracy:
Promote and protect minorities
Example
They can promote and protect the interests and rights of minorities.
Example: the Howard League fights for better prison conditions for prison inmates.
Ways in which pressure groups may threaten democracy:
Promote and protect minorities
Example
Finance is a key factor in political influence so groups that are wealthy may wield a disproportionate amount of influence.
Example: in 2020, housing minister Robert Jenrick was accused of rushing through approval of a development project to satisfy Tory donor Richard Desmond, a property developer.
Ways in which pressure groups could enhance democracy:
Call govt to account
Example
They help to call government to account by publicising the effects of policy.
Example: Justice4Grenfell pushed for a public inquiry into the Grentell Tower fire.
Ways in which pressure groups may threaten democracy:
Call govt to account
Example
Finance is a key factor in political influence so groups that are wealthy may wield a disproportionate amount of influence.
Example: in 2020, housing minister Robert Jenrick was accused of rushing through approval of a development project to satisfy Tory donor Richard Desmond, a property developer.
