Pressure Groups

Their role in a Democracy

Aim of a Pressure Group

Pressure Groups do not seek to govern the country .

They seek to influence the government to take their views into account when formulating new laws

Rights and Responsibilities

Rights

To recruit members

To publicise their cause

To campaign for change

Responsibilities

To act within the law.

To recognise democratic government

Types of Pressure Groups

When discussing Pressure Groups we can divide them into two types

Cause Groups

Interest Groups

Cause Groups

Members are united by the fact that they have a shared view of the way society could be improved.

Child Poverty Action Group

Shelter

Greenpeace

Interest Groups 1

These groups exist to advance the economic or professional interests of their members.

Trade Unions

Employers Associations

Professional associations

Examples of Interest Groups

TUC

CBI

BMA

NFU

Interest Groups 2

These groups can sometimes be described as insider groups.

This means they have access to the decision makers.

NFU consulted by senior civil servants about regulations concerning BSE or Foot and Mouth

Insider Groups

BMA consulted by government when new legislation being introduced regarding health or the reform of the NHS

Cause Groups

These groups do not have the same access to the decision makers as interest groups. They therefore rely on other methods to influence the government

Reasons for the growth of Pressure Groups

Disillusionment with political parties

Growth of central and European govt’s has meant much more laws and regulations. Therefore people more likely to be affected by these decisions.

Success of other pressure groups

Are pressure groups good for democracy

Allows more participation.

Allows more scrutiny of government

Important decisions often made by small group of influential people in private

Methods of Cause Groups

Petitions

Lobbying Parliament

Press campaigns

Direct Action