Are pressure groups democratic? A level aqa politics

Intro

• Some political scientsists may argue that pressure groups are a hinderance to democracy, as they are “self interest” groups with no internal democratic structure

• However a stronger and more effective argument is that pressure groups are democratic as they ensure that there is a channel for all views from all backgrounds to be heard and increase pariticipation

Pressure groups are democratic

• Pressure groups increase deomcracy as they have functional representation, representing particular interests and causes essential for minority groups which aren't presented by political parties from fear of alienating voters.

• Also represent more overlooked issues which may not attract headlines, like vunlerable groups which needs others to speak on their behalf.

• e.g. Homeless do not have resource to voice their issues to government or the connections to make their case. Pressure groups like shelter which work with homeless lobby the government on the issue homlesness.

• Pressure groups are democratic as they than can balance the imbalances ensued by Tyranny of majority, where larger groups may dominate smaller ones and highlight minority issues

Pressure groups are not democratic

• However, while elected representatives vote and act in national interest - issues affecting everyone/ majority

• Pressure groups are much more self - interested, only helping their members or their particular cause

• e.g. The government argues that spending cuts are essential for reducing national deficit. However trade unions went on strike to resist cuts affecting their members e.g. The British Medical Association and The Fire Brigade Union. Therefore pressure groups are reducing democracy as they are acting against reforms in wider public interest

• At expense of other issues

Pressure groups are far more succesful than political parties National Trusy has 6x more members than all political aprties combined