In What ways do pressure groups strengthen democracy?

Pressures groups definitely strengthen the concept of democracy, they in affect minimise particular anomalies within the system. It is because of this I believe them to be an asset rather than a hiderance to the democratic process.

A chief strength of pressure groups is that they allow participation between elections, they keep politicians in touch with public opinion between elections which can be up to five years. For ordinary citizens pressure groups are the vehicle which gives them a means of influencing politicians in between general elections and ensuring that governments are kept aware of the issues that people are most concerned about. Pressure groups increase social cohesion and political stability by providing a safety valve outlet for individual collective grievances and demands.

Pressure Groups give a voice to minority groups, they offer protection to minorities who might otherwise be overlooked or discriminated against. In this respect pressure groups can provide a valuable counterweight to the tyranny of the majority People whom act with like minded fellow citizens are more likely to be listened to than if they acted as isolated individuals. It is because of this rationale primarlay that pressure groups are a positive feature of the democratic process.  

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Pressure Groups may be seen to strengthen democracy in that they encourage wider participation in the political process, particularly single issue protest groups such as Stonewall the NSPCC and WWF. They promote debate on issues which leads to a better informed electorate; such pressure groups play an educational role. For government and civil servants pressure groups often provide valuable information and advice necessary for the development of policy. For example, health policies are unlikely to be successful if the government has not discussed them with the BMA. While measures to tackle crime are unlikely to succeed if the opinions of ...

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