How has Pressure Groups contributed to Democracy?

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.

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Pluralists also believe that pressure groups overcome the democratic deficit. This happens where after every 5 years of election; voters lose political participation and become apathetic as they have little or no influence over decision making. Pressure groups then increase participation and access to political system. In that way, they contribute immensely to democracy because the people have an avenue to voice their opinions. The quality of democracy is enhanced when pressure groups complement and supplement electoral democracy by keeping the government in touch with public opinion and giving a political voice to the minority groups. Social concerns are also articulated during discussion time in parliament which is overlooked by political parties. For example: In 1998, Liberty successfully contributed to the incorporation of the European convention on human rights. Its effect was to reinforce and introduce a wide range of rights, many of which were designed to protect the minority interests. In 2008, Stonewall influenced parliament in introducing legal protection against incitement to hatred on grounds of sexual orientation in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act.

Official opposition

Secondly, pressure groups are the “official opposition” which hold government accountable. Consultation with affected groups is carried out thereby preventing “electoral dictatorship” (Lord Hailsham). For example:

Participatory democracy

Pressure groups have become increasingly effective agents of political participation. Grass root activism and decentralised organisation of many campaigning groups have proved to be more popular to many people nowadays. For example: British Drivers Association was able to muster 1.8 million signatures, protesting against a road pricing scheme. In 2007, a ‘Climate Camp’ was set up near Heathrow to raise awareness of the detrimental effects of expanding the airport. Such participation supplements democracy to a large extent.

Representation

Pressure groups social stagnation and increases social cohesion and stability when they provide an avenue for grievances and interest to be represented. For example: Trade unions represent employment’s rights, Friends of the Earth / Greenpeace protect animal wildlife, and Shelter protects the homelessness.

So far, pressure groups have been proved to be indispensable to democracy. However, there exist arguments to the contrary where pressure groups are seen to serve as a hindrance to democracy.

The concept of Pluralism is deemed merely impractical. It is believed that decision makers will ultimately implement their own agenda and if the views and proposals of pressure groups are nonconforming with those decision makers, they are likely to be ignored.

Pressure groups can also distort democracy by exercising disproportionate influence and thus, undermining the notion of democracy. Pressure groups generally favour the stronger groups in society.