Evaluate the extent to which pressure groups enhance democracy Flashcards
what is the LoA
they enhance democracy
what is the theme for paragraph one
participation
what is the theme for paragraph two
accountability
what is the theme for paragraph three
representation
paragraph one - participation
- They enable individuals to participate in the political process between elections. It allows them ways to influence politicians and to participate besides general elections every 5 years
Whilst membership of political parties has dropped, pressure group membership has remained high. Membership of political parties have remained below a million for a long time, and yet the national trust has 5.37 million members and Unite has 1.2 million, compared to Labour’s 430,000 and the Conservatives 200,000
paragraph one - however
- Pressure groups are not accountable to the public as a whole despite the fact that their influence on policy can be large. They often work with governments behind closed doors. For example, the British Bankers Association has very close links with the government. It is suggested that the heavy lobbying done by the group in the aftermath of the baking collapse stopped severe punishments to the banking sector and individual bankers.
Many people are only members of pressure groups for the benefit, check book members. For example, some people are only members of the National Trust for it’s free parking
paragraph one - rebuttal
Participation has changed form, no longer is it membership of the political parties but rather pressure groups, and therefore this means they are enhancing democracy through participation
paragraph two - accountability
- They can bring expert knowledge to the government’s attention on an important issues. Ministers and MPs are rarely experts on every issue. For example, the Conservative government is incredible reliant on the CBI when it comes to economic consultation, whilst they are reliant on Greenpeace for environmental support.
Pressure groups keep government on its toes, and encourage government to be responsible, democratic and answerable. They act as a limit to government. Greenpeace have held the government to account over the actions when it comes to environmental issues.
paragraph two - however
- Pressure groups have reduced the power of Parliament and undermined its sovereignty by working closely with ministers and civil servants. By the time Parliament sees legislation, it is all but decided.
They make the country difficult to manage and govern. ‘Hyper-pluralism’ depicts the difficult a government may encounter when it is perplexed by a multitude of pressure groups blocking their actions.
paragraph two - rebuttal
Pressure groups have not negatively undermined the power of parliament, but have instead provided the public with the opportunity to hold them to account, avoiding a tyranny of the majority.
paragraph three - representation
- Pressure groups reflect the system of pluralist democracy, which gives citizens another voice in the decision making process beyond parties. They act as an access point for citizens besides talking to MPs. Groups like the Greenpeace has been excellent at doing this
Pressure groups counter balance the tyranny of the majority by lobbying on behalf of minorities. They ensure that minorities, such as gay people, the elderly and students, can have their voice heard. For example, Stonewall has been campaigning for decades to get equality for gay people. In 2014, David Cameron legalised gat marriage, which Stonewall had bene campaigning on.
paragraph three - however
- Pressure groups are very good at stopping things which others feel are needed. Opposition to HS2 raised concerns that it could affect house prices and noise levels, and spoil the countryside. Supporters argue that this is outweighed by the economic benefits the line would bring to the country
They can be divisive and selfish. One powerful groups can dominate an issue. For example, when trade unions strike, as the BMA did in 2012, the Fire Brigade’s Union did in 2013 and NHS workers did in 2014.
paragraph three - rebuttal
Overall, they have represented the electorate much better than the political parties have. Whilst the parties are broad brush, pressure groups represent a much more select area of society, and can more effectively represent these groups, for example stonewall with the LGBTQ+ and the BMA with doctors.
