evalute the view that prssure groups enhance UK democracy

Question 1

POINT ONE - weaker counter point

Answer 1

NARROW PARTICIPATION
- large % excluded in society. impossible to organise
- EG Asylum seekers - no legal right to vote. difficult bc of financial/ language barrier. reply on Refugee Action to advocate on their behalf
- levels of online engagement not representative of actual engagement. millions sign CC petitions but very % go to protests etc

Question 2

POINT ONE - stronger main point

Answer 2

IMPROVE EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION
- opposing views, debates
- abortion. BPAS and Right to Life - dif - informs public on both sides
- allows minorities to be heard - LGBTQ+ - trans rights
- ‘acceptance without exception’

Question 3

POINT 2 - weaker counter point

Answer 3

HOLDS UNACCOUNTABLE POWER
- influence decisions secretly - insider groups CBI. meet in private and lobby behind scenes
- secret funding sources - IEA - think tank accused of not saying its funding sources - unclear who influences heir policies
- leaders not chosen fairly - low voter turn out - leader unrepresentative of members an beliefs

Question 3

POINT 2 - stronger main point

Answer 3

WIDEN POLTICIAL POWER
- pluralist democracy
- gives voices to ppl ignored in elections
- Marcus Rashford campaign for free school meals - low income families heard
- social media - eg extinction rebellion - direct action and technology and media - caused gov to notice and put more environmental restrictions

Question 4

pluralist democracy definition

Answer 4

power is widespread throughout society allowing ordinary people to influence decisions and policies

Question 5

POINT 3 - weaker counter point

Answer 5

• strengthen voices of wealthy groups - educational and financial advantages
• CBI
• wealthiest in Uk funded by large corporate membership
• 190,000 busineses
• lots of behind the scenes lobbying to polciy experts - smaller groups cannot afford
• direct access to government ministers

Question 6

POINT 3 - stronger main point

Answer 6

PROTECTION OF MINOIRITES
- nromally there is a ‘tyranny of the majority’ - parties want to appeal the the majority of society so minorities are under represented and ignored
- pressure groups defend the rights of minorities
- SCOPE - helped bring about the Disability discrimination act 1995.
- National Womans Organisation influenced - Sex Discrimination Act 1975
- leads to more pluralist society