Evaluate the extent that the actions of pressure groups have been significant in defending and
protecting our rights-para 1: influence over government (7) - ANS -majority of pressure groups unlikely
to exert influence if not in line with aims of gov / majority opinion of society - fails to enhanc...
Evaluate the extent that the actions of pressure groups have been significant in defending and
protecting our rights-para 1: influence over government (7) - ANS -majority of pressure groups unlikely
to exert influence if not in line with aims of gov / majority opinion of society - fails to enhance
REPRESENTATIVE democracy
-Eg. Countryside Alliance fails to prevent passage of 2004 Hunting Act - because their views not in line
with dominant views in society
-if a pressure group represents a minority viewpoint, it is likely to be ignored by a government who seek
electoral success
-even if a pressure group does have substantial support, if it does not align with aims of a clearly
mandated majority gov, it is unlikely to exert legislative influence
-eg. In spite of the 'Million march' of 750,000 protesting against Iraq 2003 (largest ever), due to Blair's
desire to establish good relations between labor and the US republican party, Operation Telic went
ahead
-In spite of 80 UK uncut campaigns since 2010, they had little influence as Cameron gov committed to
austerity
-Therefore, it can be argued that pressure groups fail to enhance democracy as governments are
normally only receptive to groups which share their outlook and aims.
Evaluate the extent that the actions of pressure groups have been significant in defending and
protecting our rights-para 1: influence over government CP (10) - ANS -However, it is important to
acknowledge that in many cases government policy U turns have been forced by pressure groups which
do not align with government aims.
-eg RSPCA employs over 1,600 staff and get national attention through full page ads - puts pressure on
gov through ability to influence public opinion -
-enhance democracy by informing the policy and activity of an elected gov and educating the public on
political issues, whilst also holding the government to account between elections
-after years of campaigning and public support, the RSPCA was influential in the passing and
implementation of the 2006 Animal Welfare Act (designed to prevent cruelty)
- RSPCA has a long history of caring for animals and so best placed to inform gov policy in that area
,-Pressure groups hold gov to account and ensure they are responsive to public opinion between
elections
-eg Campaigns by BMA and RCN were able to sucessfuly alter the government's stance on Junior Doctor
contracts through protests 2016, and regularly give evidence to select committees
-also, Greenpeace had an influence of Corbyn - who cut 0 emissions target to 2035
-ensure an 'active dialogue' and enhances representative function by ensuring the actions of the
government reflect the needs of society
-pressure groups enhance democracy by acting as a direct point of communication between the ever
changing needs of the public and government, and providing invaluable education to the electorate,
ensuring informed and active citizens and responsive and continually accountable government.
para 2: inequality of influence (7) - ANS -inequality of influence = lack of true pluralism / (pressure group
elitism)
- some 'ultra insiders' have disproportionate influence on gov whilst well financed pressure groups
invariably exert greater influence
-well funded pressure groups = gives access to 'political resources' - needed to run successful campaign -
afford lobbyists
-groups wealthy enough to employ lobbyists tend to enjoy heightened influence (NSPCC employ's
lobbying group ' Portland' to act on it's behalf)
- however, pressure groups can equally elevate the influence of other insider minority groups, allowing
them to wield overbearing influence over a majority (elitism)
- eg Motoring groups such as the Alliance of British driver's have had influence over air pollution
regulation and the National Farmer's Union works closely in Whitehall with DEFRA
-some have argued that Pressure groups are actually detrimental to democracy as they tend to distort
the influence of certain groups on government based on their wealth membership, or insider status.
However, the fact remains that pressure groups continue to offer extra parliamentary support and
representation to marginalised groups.
Para 3: enhance democracy (10) - ANS -pressure groups enhance pluralist democracy as, they all offer
extraparliamentary representation and ensure that even Minority viewpoints are amplified - counters
elitism
, - help to prevent 'tyranny of the majority' - represent DIVERSE viewpoints - essential to pluralism
-eg Muslim Council of Great Britain - representing minority Muslim pop
-Shelter - represents homeless who otherwise lack agency / influence (they have no wealth and are
scattered across the nation)
- also, do not need substantial membership to be influential - eg Howard League for penal reform has
only 3000 members but was able effectively represent the rights of prisoners when the gov was forced
to U turn on introducing charges towards legal aid for prisoners 2015
-Pressure groups enhance principle of functional representation - lacking in traditional forms of
democracy and can serve to protect interests of minority groups in a way no elected democratic
institution can
-promotional groups like Greenpeace (3 mil members) allow people to campaign on SPECIFIC ISSUES
without the need for party affiliation -easy to join and participate (eg to join 38 degrees you merely have
to respond to an email)
-However some have been quite to associate pressure groups with 'slacktivism' ,in a time of decreasing
party membership and relatively low electoral turnout,
-Eg. performative activism
-However, pressure groups has served to alleviate democratic deficit through their participative function
A. - pluralism, subsidiarity - represent both local and national interests
- enhance democracy by enhancing political pluralism, granting agency to a greater number of people
and causes, ensuring multiple layers of representation and encouraging unorthodox participation
Conclusion (4) - ANS -ultimately more accurate to argue that pressure groups enhance democracy as it
encourages participation (reducing dem deficit)
-enshrines pluralism by offering agency and representation to diverse groups (free to form and operate)
- in spite of fact don't always influence gov
-allows for a more educated electorate and more accountable and competent governance (policy
consultation)
-therefore, accurate to argue that pressure groups enhance democracy as they constrain the excesses of
elitist politics by providing an additional layer of extra parliamentary representation and ensure that the
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