Evaluate the view that pressure groups are an important part of democracy.

How do pressure groups increase democratic participation?

They provide alternative opportunities for political involvement between elections, particularly as traditional party membership declines.

What examples demonstrate alternative political participation?

Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth attract issue

How do pressure groups encourage active citizenship?

Demonstrations, petitions and rallies raise awareness, encourage political debate and involve citizens directly in political activity.

What examples demonstrate active citizenship?

Pro

How can disruptive tactics undermine democracy?

Extreme direct action infringes on public rights, creates economic disruption and allows minorities to impose demands without democratic consent.

What examples demonstrate the problems of disruption?

Just Stop Oil's 2022 M25 blockades caused approximately 50,000 hours of delays, affected 700,000 vehicles and cost over £1 million to police.

Why can pressure group leadership be considered undemocratic?

Leaders are unelected, lack a democratic mandate and may use unlawful tactics to pursue their objectives.

What example demonstrates unaccountable direct action?

Palestine Action's activities against Elbit Systems preceded its proscription under the Terrorism Act in July 2025.

What is the overall judgement for Theme 1?

Pressure groups strengthen democracy by providing continuous political participation, while disruptive tactics represent only a minority of pressure group activity.

How do pressure groups protect minority interests?

They represent marginalised groups and neglected causes that majoritarian electoral systems and political parties may overlook.

What examples demonstrate minority representation?

The Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance campaigned for Horizon scandal victims; Stonewall and disability advocacy groups represent minority interests.

How do pressure groups promote pluralism?

Competing groups disperse political influence and prevent any single interest from permanently dominating policymaking.

What examples demonstrate pluralist competition?

Friends of the Earth and River Action challenge corporate interests through public campaigning and regulatory consultation.

How can NIMBYism undermine democracy?

Well

What example demonstrates NIMBYism?

The HS2 Action Alliance opposed High Speed 2, seeking to protect local communities and property interests despite wider national infrastructure objectives.

What is the tyranny of the vocal minority?

Small, highly organised groups exert disproportionate influence over politicians, potentially overriding the interests of the wider population.

What example demonstrates the tyranny of the vocal minority?

Local interest groups have obstructed housing and planning reforms, limiting governments' ability to increase housing supply.

What is the overall judgement for Theme 2?

Pressure groups strengthen representative democracy by protecting minority interests, while Parliament retains the power to override narrow local opposition.

How do pressure groups improve government scrutiny?

Insider groups provide specialist expertise and technical evidence, improving legislation and helping MPs make informed decisions.

What examples demonstrate expert policy scrutiny?

The BMA, NFU and Royal College of Nursing provide technical evidence on healthcare, agriculture and public services.

How do pressure groups strengthen executive accountability?

Judicial review allows groups to challenge unlawful government actions and defend statutory rights against executive overreach.

What examples demonstrate constitutional accountability?

Liberty challenged anti

How can wealthy pressure groups undermine democracy?

Wealthy corporate interests can purchase privileged political access and influence legislation behind closed doors, creating political inequality.

What examples demonstrate elitist corporate influence?

Gambling industry lobbyists sought weaker betting restrictions; energy multinationals used investment warnings to challenge windfall tax proposals.

How does the revolving door undermine democratic equality?

Former ministers and civil servants exploit political connections to secure privileged access unavailable to ordinary citizens.

What examples demonstrate the revolving door?

David Cameron's Greensill lobbying, Owen Paterson's paid advocacy for Randox and the lobbying backgrounds of some MPs.

What is the overall judgement for Theme 3?

Pressure groups strengthen democratic accountability through expert scrutiny and judicial review, outweighing the risks of elitist lobbying and unequal political access.