Pressure group good + bad for democracy examples

Give 1 example of minority groups helped by pressure groups + how

• Functional representation

• The Muslim council of Britain, engage in lobbying to advocate for policies that protect and promote the rights of Muslims

• Public lectures and use social media to raise awareness

• By giving minorities an effective voice, this promotes a more inclusive and representative and educated society enhancing democracy.

Give another example of a minority group helped by pressure groups + how

• Stone wall aims to achieve equality for minority LGBT groups -lobbying to government officials

• Work for legislative change campaigned for inclusion of sexual orientation and gender reassignment as a protected right in the “The equality Act 2010.”

• Enhances democracy gave an effective voice to minority groups - more voices heard - more representative

Give an example of how pressure groups help give a voice to vulnerable groups with a lack of resources

• Shelter helps represent homeless individuals, by lobbying to government officials

• Educating + raising awareness with public campaigns

• Enhance democracy giving an effective voice to vulnerable groups by informing government and public shifting overton window - giving them a way to voice their issues - by increasing representation + education

Show examples of how large wealthy groups may only be represented

• Not helpful to democracy as only some voices are heard - disproportionate influence

• Wealthier pressure groups or organisations can just donate large sums to government to get their issues across

• E.g. “Ecclestone Affair”chief of f1 - Bernie Ecclestone donated 1 million to Blair’s labour government to exempt formula 1 from the ban on tobacco advertising in sport. Not democratic only some PGs can afford to do this - therefore only some PGs are heard - not representative

• E.g. “2010 lobbying scandal” - Stephen Byers described himself as a “cab for hire” - claimed he could influence policies for fees up to £5000 a day. Do not help democracy - only rich are listen to and - represented

Show examples of how influence and status can give advantages

• David Cameron exploited his privileged access to government officials to lobby for greensill

• Cameron had a significant financial stake in Greensill Capital, including the potential for substantial profits through share options. This financial interest gave him a personal incentive to see the company succeed and grow.

• Only help if leads to money

Give examples of how pressure groups are self interest group

• While the government works towards national interest, pressure groups are self interest groups who only represent their cause or members

• E.g the government argued that spending cuts are essential for reducing national deficit. However trade unions went on strike to resist cuts affecting their members like the BMA and fire brigade union.

• This went against wider reform in public interest - and reduced the efficiency of government

• Suggesting as Douglas Hurd said pressure groups are “serpents strangling efficient government”

Give examples of pressure groups that can lead - to hyperpluralism

• Pressure groups can lead to hyperpluralism - meaning there are so many opposing issues from different groups that the government cannot run as effectively

• Countryside alliance campaigns on rural issues

• Strong stance on issues like fox hunting, puts them at odds with many animal rights groups like RSPCA leading to prolonged political debates

Give example of how pressure groups increase participation

• General elections only occur once every 5 years so voters are only given limited chance to voice issues through government.

• Pressure groups are more used than pp as they allow individuals to be heard between elections and are more used - increasing participation

• This is illustrated by falling turnout being 84% in 1950 and 59% in 2001 party membership from both major parties have decreased drastically in membership

• PGs such as national trust increasingly rapidly 6x all parties, RSPB has more than all parties together

• Public using Pgs instead of political parties to voice issues more effective - increase participation - increasing democracy more people involved in politics. For reasons like a lack in trust in political parties for reasons like 2009 expenses scandal where taxpayer money was misused - pp not democracy

• Also increase participation by informing and educating public e.g. Black lives matter group had many protests, social media movements #blm and posting black screens

Lack of internal democracy

• Pressure group leaders - are not elected in the same way in which political parties are.

• Only a few people actually have power with many members being “cheque book members” who just donate a small fee cannot - actually bring change. Clicktivism just click a button not actually participating - or being represented

• Greenpeace destroyed genetically modified crops without consulting members while most members where not aware of this. Undemocratic not given citizens a voice - now part of illegal activity without choice.

• Fathers 4 justice trying to kidnap prime minister's son "Leo Blair" - although against wishes of many members