In what ways do pressure groups contribute towards democracy?
Pressure groups are organised groups of people that aim to influence the policies or actions of government. They are defined by three key features: they seek to exert influence from outside, rather than to win or exercise government power. They typically have a narrow issue focus. Usually, they focus on single issues concerning the society. Their members are united by a shared belief or a common set of interests. For some, pressure groups are a fundamental part of democracy. To others, pressure groups undermine the whole principle. Democracy is a political system of government where decisions are arrived by majoritarian principles with representative elected at periodic elections. This is where political equality and freedom allow for effective choice. How then do pressure groups fit in to contribute to the concept of democracy?
Pluralism
Firstly, in the pluralist model of democracy, pressure groups play an essential role. Pluralists uphold the principle that political power in liberal democracy is widely distributed rather than controlled by an elite or ruling body. Political parties cannot provide adequate representation for the full range of diverse interest and opinions. Hence, pressure groups enable particular interests and causes to be heard. They are therefore able to exert influence the government by mobilising public opinion. There are many examples of successful pressure groups that display this feature of pluralism and some of which have changed the face of law making. A good example of how pressure groups have influenced law reform is that of fox hunting. The Political Animal Lobby, amongst other groups strove to change the law on fox hunting. At the same time the Countryside Alliance opposed the law change on fox hunting and fought to keep fox hunting legal. The government listened to the opposing arguments and eventually, after much controversy and highly publicised difference of opinion, the ban on fox hunting with hounds came into force in 2007.