To What Extent Are Pressure Groups Beneficial To Democracy In The Uk

Question 1

For: tolerance for minorities

Answer 1

Pressure groups allow for raising awareness of minority issues , bring focus to issues ignored by media/ parties
Stonewall lgbt rights organisation helped legalise same sex marriage in 2014

Question 2

Against: tolerance for minorities

Answer 2

Some pressure groups focus on one minority issue and ignore a problem deeper within
Stonewall was criticised due to only focusing on white lgbt issues and ignored lgbt perspectives from ethnic minorities

Question 3

For: wider participation

Answer 3

Amplify underrepresented voices and motivate people to vote or campaign for issues that directly affect them
2020 yougov poll 29% of adults took part in political activism in the last 12 months
Which reflects a significant portion of the population engaging in activities that go beyond voting.

Question 4

Against: wider participation

Answer 4

Voters may feel as though pgs are driving political change rather than elected representatives and therefore feel less inclined to engage
Keep the ban campaign 2004 lead by an animals rights group ab fox hunting ignored opposition from mps and took politics into their won hands

Question 5

For: respect for human rights

Answer 5

Pgs that advocate for the environment
Respects the right of people living in a healthy environment
Pg called greenpeace which campaigns about air pollution or plastic waste

Question 6

Against: respect for human rights

Answer 6

Some pressure groups have resorted to illegal and violent acts as a way to get their voice heard
Puts peoples lives in danger and violates human rights
Animal liberation form ALF committed arson, threats and attacks in early 2000s