To what extent are pressure groups positive or negative for the US? (30 marks)

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  • positives & negatives of PGs
    • reflect specific interests
      • it can be difficult for parties to represent the diverse interests of the whole of the US
      • PGs allow for different interests to be represented
      • helps prevent tyranny of the majority
      • promotes pluralist democracy
      • helps prevent civil rights infringements
    • they can scrutinise govt.
      • PGs create scorecards on officials and their voting history
        • this gives the electorate information about how officials vote
      • PGs launch media campaigns  to educate electorate on officials actions
      • increases checks & balances
      • prevents dictatorship & corruption
      • increase confidence in govt.
    • can cause tyranny of the minority
      • puts specific interests over the interests of the whole country
      • can cause civil rights infringements
      • goes against wishes of the founding fathers
      • toughter regulations could prevent tyranny of the minority
        • PGs may not have this negative effect in the future
    • wealthy groups have more influence
      • have greater access to resources and to officials
      • can offer gifts & finance election campaigns
      • promotes elitism
      • can lead to corruption scandals
      • increased apathy
      • wealthier groups have a greater mandate as they have more members
    • direct action
      • violent direct action can be disturbing
      • lead to negative press coverage
      • undermines representative democracy
      • non-violent direct action can be very positive
        • marches, boycotts etc. use by Civil Rights movement
    • encourage political participation
      • PG membership & non-electoral participation is high
      • party identification & participation is low
      • upholds democratic principles
      • should educate members of the public who participate
      • reduces the chance of dictatorship like govt.
  • encourage political participation
    • PG membership & non-electoral participation is high
    • party identification & participation is low
    • upholds democratic principles
    • should educate members of the public who participate
    • reduces the chance of dictatorship like govt.

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