PRESSURE GROUPS

Pressure Groups and the Democratic Process

Abstract

Pressure groups are organizations or associations that seek to exert influence on government from outside. In the United Kingdom, there are a multitude of associations of diverse shapes and sizes. According to Pluralists, there exists a relationship between pressure groups and democracy. Pressure groups are not policy makers but they are a vital source of information to the government. There are many pressure groups which are consulted by policy makers to facilitate the process of policymaking. Pressure groups also play an important role in providing critical information to the government. Pressure groups also promote political debate and argument. According to Pluralists, there exists a relationship between group politics and democracy. However, according to elitists pressure groups weaken the democratic process

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion1

Pressure Groups and Political Parties1

Types of Pressure Groups2

Interest Groups2

Cause Groups2

Pressure Groups in the United Kingdom4

Pressure Groups and the Democracy4

Do Pressure Groups Aid the Democratic Process or Hinder It6

Conclusion7

References9

Pressure Groups and the Democratic Process

Introduction

Pressure groups politics is sometimes also referred as the informal face of politics. It is widely believed that pressure group politics can possibly replace party politics. The number and size of pressure groups is rapidly increasing with the passage of time. In the United Kingdom, there are approximately 7000 associations of diverse shapes and sizes. A majority of these pressure group associations were formed in 1960. Pressure politics is often considered complex. Pressure groups range from local charities, community groups and multinational corporations (Baggott, pp.12).

The success of pressure groups depends on diverse factors. These factors include the policy making power, ideological power and agenda setting power of pressure groups. In order to explore the democratic role of pressure groups, it is imperative to consider a variety of factors. These factors play an important role in analysing the relationship between pressure groups and democracy. There are diverse perspectives regarding the role of pressure groups in the democratic process. According to Pluralists, there exists a relationship between group politics and democracy. However, according to elitists; pressure groups weaken the democratic process.

Discussion

Pressure Groups and Political Parties

There are several similarities which exist between pressure groups and political parties. Pressure groups and political parties are mediums through which interests and views of the public are communicated to the government. Both political parties and pressure groups represent the public, facilitate political participation, and influence policy making.

There is often confusion between political parties and pressure groups. It is because sometimes political parties resemble pressure groups because of their narrow focus. There are a few political parties which are concerned with issues of race and immigration. On the other side, some parties emphasize on environmental issues (Duverger, pp.1). The aim of pressure groups is to exert influence while the aim of aim of political parties is to win power. The focus of pressure groups is narrow while the focus of political parties is broad. It is because the demands of political parties are more than those of pressure ...