Pressure Groups 3

How are pressure groups different to political parties?

- They don't seek governmental power.

- Usually have a narrow range of issues.

- Do not have to be accountable.

- Some pressure groups may act illegally or promote civil disobedience.

Methods of pressure groups

Lobbying - the process of influencing public and governmental policy.

Direct action - Obtaining the most publicity possible. i.e. Stunts - Fathers 4 Justice.

Mobilising public opinion - If support for the cause is widespread then MPs have to listen.

Democratic Feature of Pressure Groups 

• Educates public
• Representation of people to the government
• Provides political participation opportunities
• Protects interests of miniority groups
• Safeguards power of the State
• Diserses power widely

Undemocratic Features of Pressure Groups 

• Some groups are more powerful than others because of money or size of group
• Insiders vs Outsiders
• E-democracy can be dangerous
• The leaders of pressure groups don't always have the same views as the rest of the members
• Pressure groups are not held accountable for their actions

Pluralism: A description of a political system where a wide range of beliefs, ideologies and ideas are torlerated and are allowed to flourish. It also implies a society where many different groups are active and are free to operate.

Elitism: A tendency for power to be monopolised by small groups of influential people. Elitism exists mainly within business and finance groups, some trade unions, government, the armed forces...