Functions of Pressure Groups Representation Participation Education Policy formulation Policy implementation

Representation Mouthpiece for groups that are not adequately represented through the electoral process or by political process e.g. Political parties are increasingly “catch-all”, whereas pressure groups can articulate the views or interests of particular groups e.g. Pressure groups provide an alternative to the formal representative process through “functional representation”: representation of groups based on their function in society, e.g.

Do PGs represent well? Groups have a low level of internal democracy – do they express the views of their members, or their leaders? The influence they have does not always reflect their membership size or their popular support e.g.

Participation 40-50% of UK citizens belong to at least one voluntary association, 20% belong to 2 or more. Pressure Groups seek to exert pressure by mobilising popular support e.g. Many people who do not participate in formal political processes are more willing to participate through marches, petitions etc e.g.

Do PGs encourage participation well? Group membership doesn’t always involve actual membership – “cheque-book groups” e.g. National Trust, Friends of the Earth

Education Two ways: education of the public (better democracy because…?) and education of government (better democracy because…?) Much of what the public knows about politics they know because PGs have raised awareness about it e.g. Groups often devote significant resources to cultivating “expert authority” - carrying out research, maintaining websites, commenting on government policy, using high profile academics and scientists to get their point across e.g.

Do PGs educate well? They are biased and subjective There are few checks on what a PG spokesperson may say

Policy formulation Some PGs provide useful information and advice to government Policy networks: links between NGOs and government through which policy is developed

Is this good for democracy? Only a small body of privileged groups (insider groups) are involved in this PGs are not elected, they are not accountable – should they have a role in the democratic process?

Policy implementation Some PGs help put policy into practice, e.g. National Farmers’ Union working with DEFRA

Is this good for democracy? Some criticise these groups for being over-close to government, and therefore not being independent Does this role give some groups unfair political leverage? Again – not elected, not accountable, etc…