1. Topic 4: pressure groups Organisations whose members share common interests and which seek to influence government

2. Features

3. Influence decisions///may seek to influence not just decisions but the details, implementation Do not make decisions /////////////////////////////////// Examples: health and social care act 11/12, BMA campaigned on the issue of NHS reform, they failed to stop legislation but campaigned for amendments so that it maintained principles of a free health service

4. Operate on relatively narrow range of issues May be a single issue that affects a few thousand Some multi- issue groups may embrace a whole range of related politics Eg Plane Stupid against expansion of heathrow Eg trade unions

5. The operate on different levels of government Levels of government: Must identify where decisions are made and then apply pressure. The level of policy bodies, ministers and civil servants: Early stage of policy development, details of bills will be published to add contribution before its presented to parliament The welsh, Scottish, northern Ireland or London governments: If issue is regional Local government Issues that are resolved at European levels Agriculture, fisheries, trade, EU laws: work with European commission, European parliament + council of ministers

6. Operate in the law courts When policy is being implemented if a section of society is being discriminated against or its not being implemented right Eg: office of fair trading vs barcleys bank 2009, BSA (banks) defeated OFT (customers) about charging for unauthorized overdrafts

7. Functions

8. Functional representation (where pressure groups supplement or add to the democratic process in society) They are serving the interests of sections of society eg occupational groups or demands of a specific section Either they represent specific sections of public or they claim to represent the best interests of the whole community pressure groups can speak on behalf of the specific and the unique. Thus promoting functional representation Eg pressure groups speak on behalf of employers and owners and trade unions on behalf of workers promoted by representation of demographic groups and also minority opinion Represent specific sections of society based on eg occupation, age, gender, income, etc Eg age uk – the elderly

9. Scrutinise legislation – political function Improve or amend to make them fairer/more effective Suggesting how they may be improved or amended to make them more effective Eg NHS reform shaped by BMA Eg: For example, Greenpeace emails its members regarding Government progress/achievements on climate change targets

10. Educate and inform – political function/ promotes participation Help to educate the public about politically important issues and governing institutions Here pressure groups can provide information and education to the general public, making them aware of political events and facts. For instance pressure groups who campaign against pollution and aim to protect the environment may inform the public of pollution levels Eg: friends of the earth publicise environmental issues

11. Key part in governing process, involvement in all stages of policy making. Variety of view/interests – political function Helps to inform government and ensues that interests of sections of public are taken into consideration They can improve the quality of policy making Example: NFU who works alongside the government in policy implementation

12. Participation They provide a less intense but more relevant opportunity for political participation than parties do Eg tax payers alliance organize online petitions, enabling people to make their own views known without any major commitment. So pressure groups have become a key part of participation Through education encourage members of the public to vote in elections to support a political party which may endorse the pressure group’s views They can use direct action to raise awareness and secure political participation They actively campaign to raise funds and secure financial participation from the public

13. Tension release People need the opportunity to give full expression to their feelings Eg Syria bombing 2015, student fees

14. Help to get bills passed May help individual mps/ peers trying to promote private members bills Eg groups from music industry supported action in HoL which led to the live music act of 2012

15. Pressure groups help make government accountable and responsive Point out shortcomings in government policiy

16. Distinctions between pressure groups and parties

17. Differences Parties seek power, pressure groups do not Parties have to be accountable to the country Parties address a full range of issues Parties have to behave responsibly

18. Similarities Both types attempt to influence policy making process Representative bodies, claiming to be channels of communications They try to mould/mobilise public opinion in order to promote the issues that concern them Political parties can/do emerge from wider social movements, labour – trade unions, green part – environmental movement Some pressure groups become closely associated with governmental policy/discussion that it changes their perceived status eg the NFU Dependent on public approval/ mood of the nation

19. Classification of pressure groups

20. Sectional/ interest groups A pressure group that represents a specific section of society such as trade unions or an employers association Represent a specific section of society. They are self interested and so concerned with only promoting the best interests of the members Member based issues Eg: Trade unions Age uk NFU

21. Promotional/cause/ issue group A pressure group that seeks to promote a cause rather than the interests of its own members Do not have a specific section of the community to represent, they clam to be serving the interests of the whole community Do not have a specific membership Eg: Greenpeace Friends of the earth RSPCB

22. Dual function (sectional + promotional) Perform a specific service for their members as well as campaigning within the political system on their behalf eg trade unions Charities – seek funding to help those whom they serve, offer a wide range of care services, raise finance from the general public eg Tapestry Eg: Countryside alliance: represent rural areas and also campaign for a better quality of life

23. Insider groups Operate inside political system through contacts – ministers/mps/ peers/ committees. Are regularly consulted by government Insider group is one that has succeeded in becoming a part of the decision making process itself Take part in the development of policy and can help mould it to their beliefs Be able to prevent unfavorable legislation at an early stage Which government affects what group is an insider May be consulted regularly as they provide useful information and express views of their members to show government attitudes of those who will be affected Must act in a responsible way and may be constrained in the methods they can use. May not have as much independence Eg: ASH BMA Age uk

24. Outsider groups Have no special links with government but seek to influence decision makers by mobilising public opinion This way they are able to use their independence and its freedom for action Other reason is that the group would like to be insiders but haven’t been invited (aspiring insiders) Most important factor: is conflict between the aims of the government of the day and the aims of the group Eg: Greenpeace Plane stupid Countryside alliance

25. New social movements Appear on political scene rapidly Are mass movements with many thousands of instant followers Are concerned with a narrow range of issues or one single issue Are often striking, flamboyant sometimes acts of civil disobedience Have loose, informal organisations Their followers tend to have an intense attachment to the issues in question Social media is crucial, young people more involved Eg: Plane stupid

26. Over view Ash: insider/ promotional Greenpeace: outsider/promotional BMA: insider/ sectional Age uk: insider/ sectional Country side alliance: dual function/outsider Plane stupid: new social movements/outsider

27. Pluralist society Where the demands and interests and many different groups in society are recognized and taken into consideration in policy making

28. Pluralism It supposes a wide dispersal of power along various avenues and channels. There is no concentration of power in narrow sectional elites. Supporters of pluralism argue that open and free debate is to be welcomed. and encouraged as this advances the pluralist route and secures the democratic ideal. Citizens can be represented not via a single representative but through group membership, this can be multiple membership of differing groups. Furthermore groups will have opposites on many topics. All the above groups have power in the political process

29. What is pluralist democracy It is a form of democracy which sees participation essentially via organised groups speaking up for a collective interest. Pressure groups are seen to reflect this form of democracy and act as the agents for change in society. There will be competition by numerous groups seeking to advance their particular cause or interest. Pluralist democracy requires the widespread dispersal of power and also the availability of numerous avenues for groups to access the political system with no one group having a monopoly of power. The government under a system of pluralist democracy is seen as a neutral force and acts to arbitrate and decide between competing factions. Pluralist democracy may be contrasted with elitism

30. Link between elitism and pressure groups Elitism suggests that some pressure groups may be more important or influential than others as power is unevenly distributed. It could be that the group has greater connection than others or that it has greater wealth which may afford certain pressure groups more power. It suggests the idea that some groups will be excluded from the policy process as a consequence of their lack of power. Overall elitism assumes that there is a ‘power struggle’ in political activity with winners and losers Elitism contradicts pluralist theory as regards pressure groups with more even distribution of power

31. Difference between elitism and pluralism Pluralism and elitism are terms which make reference to the distribution of political power. Pluralism is a theory which believes that power is to an extent evenly distributed and that it is not concentrated. Pluralism has a positive view of pressure groups and considers a multiplicity of then to be good for the body politic. Elitism by contrast implies that there is a concentration of power in a narrow and exclusive grouping. Elitism implies that this alleged unequal and unfair distribution of political power in the system may posit problems for the body politic

32. Link between pressure groups and pluralism Pluralism considers how power is distributed in society. Pluralism views that it is healthy to have multiple sources of power. Pressure groups are an integral part of this possible dispersal. Pluralism requires minority representation which is facilitated by pressure groups. Pluralism is linked to diversity and choice: pressure groups again facilitate this with their diversity and proliferation. Pluralism theory considers governments listening to a range of pressure groups and deciding policy through consultation, a vast range of pressure groups create this and support pluralist theory. Pluralism accepts that some pressure groups will succeed and others fail, this is an accurate reflection of pressure group activity.

33. To what extent do pressure groups strengthen pluralist democracy

34. They do strengthen pluralist democracy Pluralist democracy represents numerous and different groups in a pluralist democracy Pluralist democracy is a theory that political power is widely distributed in society as such numerous pressure groups facilitate this process Numerous pressure groups are free to form and there are no restrictions on their activity as long as they keep within the law. Pressure groups in open competition serve to advance pluralist democracy. In an open liberal democracy such as the UK this occurs Governments take notice and consider pressure group demands and decide to produce the outcome for the common good

35. They do not strengthen pluralist democracy It is alleged that far from being pluralist pressure group resources are unevenly distributed and imbalanced. As such there are dominant pressure groups that benefit in a certain way from this uneven resource base. Some sections of society are not represented by pressure groups or are inadequately represented. Housewives and pedestrians are examples respectively. The existence of powerful insider groups with direct and influential access to the government undermines pluralist democracy. The above posits the notion of elitism where pressure group power is uneven and possibly imbalanced which makes pluralist democracy impossible

36. To what extent do pressure groups promote pluralist democracy

37. It does promote pluralist democracy The existence of varied and numerous pressure groups support the theory of pluralism. Opposing pressure groups compete in open forum for public and governmental attention. The government openly accept the existence of pressure groups and involve them in decision making. There are no legal restrictions upon pressure group formation and the more recent media and internet developments only serves to enhance pluralist democracy. Pressure group activity in itself serves to enhance pluralist democracy by providing information and education to the public. Pressure groups can be considered to widen the access to power and decision making for the mass of the citizens. Governments take into account the claims of pressure groups when making decisions.

38. It does not promote pluralist democracy Pressure group activity can be viewed as elitist from several perspectives. Governments favour certain groups who share their views or are at the time ‘electorally’ beneficial to their cause. This can be related to outsider or insider status. Some groups because of their economic power have more influence than others and this causes a disruption of the pluralist democratic position. Building on from the above it may be said that pressure groups can be considered to narrow not widen political access to government and in some senses empower the already powerful. This economic power will take several guises; it may be that some can exert influence for their strategic position in society. Some groups can afford advertising to get their message across and thus they ‘buy’ their power.

39. Is pressure group politics in the uk better described as pluralist or elitist Pluralism is a theory that political power is widely distributed in society. Pressure groups thus act as agents to assist this distribution and government is responsive to a wide range of causes and interests. All citizens have open access to membership of pressure groups. Elitism is the theory that power is concentrated and not evenly distributed. Some pressure groups have more power and influence than others. Economic groups are commonly seen as more powerful than other groups, especially business groups. It may be that some pressure groups have insufficient power as a result of finance or poor leadership. Governments are not neutral arbiters who listen to all pressure groups but rather selective bodies who have an agenda of their own., preferring some groups to others

40. Democracy

41. What constitutes a democracy Where knowledge flows freely and people have wide access to sources of information independent of governments (well informed citizenry) People will feel they are effectively represented in government circles Government is fully accountable to the people There are free and extensive opportunities for people to participate actively in political processes The rights and interests of individuals/groups are taken into account in decision making process- civil rights Free and fair elections, rule of law, equal rights, free press

42. To what extent do pressure groups help/undermine democracy

43. Democratic features of pressure groups

44. Dispersal of power (pluralism) Pressure groups spread power more widely governments and parties tend to concentrate power in the hands of its leadership, pressure groups can empower the wider membership They represent the full range of the population and allow many voices to be heard. As long as they have influence, they give the politically active part of the population access to decision makers, either direct or indirectly Examples: Age uk, spread power more widely, access to decision makers

45. Minority interests One of the most important function – small or large groups are taken into account of, protected and awarded equal status If this doesn’t occur: tyranny of the majority, not true to democracy, majority electoral system

46. Education They offer vast amount of information to people/ are independent of government from which we can make judgements Cannot rely on it to be totally accurate, if we combine all various sources we will be able to form a judgement Pressure groups inform us/educates us Examples: ASH informs public about dangers of smoking

47. Representation Pressure groups represent our interests to those who govern Eg: AA represents the interests of motorists

48. Participation Political activism is important both to prevent excessive accumulations of power and to ensure that government remains accountable to the people Declining levels of popular involvement in parties, pressure groups are a vital opportunity for political participation

49. Undemocratic features of pressure groups

50. Concentration of power (elitism) Wealthy, strategically important groups have evidence of elitism, some pressure groups concentrate power in the hands of the few When elites are insider groups, they might form a powerful elite in combination with government. Ministers who are more influenced by group leaders could be accused of further elitism Smaller groups have no influence on policies at all Eg the banking lobby

51. Disproportionate influence If all groups enjoyed the amount of influence their size and importance warranted, the outcome might be considered democratic. But that’s not reality Some groups weild more power than their relative importance might suggest Eg the farming community, tiny % of population but are responsible for much of our food supply and create the countryside we enjoy Finance sector: vital part of our economy these have a great effect of influence on political process

52. Finance and size More funds than others Eg the banking community more money than charities. Employers/ businesses vs charities Just because you can mobilise large amounts of people does not mean it reflects public opinion on the issue as a whole Countryside alliance 250,000 Opinion as a whole?

53. Internal democracy Some pressure group leaders may not truly represent the views of their members, groups may not be internally democratic Politicians are made accountable for their actions through the electoral process and through representative institutions The same cant be said for pressure group leaders though it is not wide spread it is certainly true that democratic controls on pressure groups are weaker than those affecting parties and politicians

54. Pressure groups can be accused of undermining Parliament the democratically elected legislature. They may influence the government more than democratically elected representatives Insider pressure groups can be considered to have an unfair amount of power within governments. For example the NFU and the BMA are alleged to at times have used their insider status in an undemocratic fashion They may force governments into acting on behalf of a minority and as a result the government may ignore the wider needs of society. For example pressure groups with powerful economic leverage such as the Trade Unions

55. Methods of pressure groups (lobbying) to influence only government How groups try to influence decisions and government

56. Parliamentary methods Pay retaining fees to mps in Westminster parliament in return for raising issues as much as possible in the house Cant persuade an mp to vote in a certain way on parliamentary question for money All large pressure group have a number of mps who are committed to representing them in parliament House is mainly for amendments – here, pressure groups seek to gain leverage/promote/influence new legislation. They try to change the bill policy that’s going through. This is where most pressure groups act

57. Direct action Occurs when pressure groups seek to obtain minimum amount og publicity for the cause as possible eg by mass demonstration Can draw attention for an issue by involving stunts/ provocative attention eg fathers4justice dress up as super heroes and place themselves where they will get the most media coverage Much easier to organize due to social media and it is increasing Government is forced to respond especially when the media take it up

58. How and why do some pressure groups use direct action Direct action takes may forms, it need not be considered to be solely illegal in nature. Some pressure groups will go on marches and demonstrations to show their views on a topic or issue as with the Stop the War marches against the Iraq war and the more recent marches against the rise in student tuition fees. Some trade union pressure groups may go on strike (official & unofficial) or break their contract of employment. Civil disobedience can be considered to be direct action Some pressure groups carry out ‘sit ins’ where they occupy public buildings often used in the 1960’s and now employed recently as a protest against the rise in student tuition fees. Occasionally pressure groups may cause an illegal obstruction by blocking the highway. Fathers4justice often brought traffic to a halt illegally. Some pressure groups associated with campaigns against animal testing have carried out a number of illegal acts from grave violation to harassing animal laboratories. Why do pressure groups use direct action? Pressure groups turn to direct action to advance their cause as other non-direct methods having failed or not being available. At times pressure groups need the media spotlight and direct action is a method of achieving this Often outsider groups turn to direct action as they do not have the privileged enjoyed by insider groups The failure or exhaustion of conventional or legal routes may cause direct action (illegal action) as a last resort

59. Mobilising public opinion Attachment to parties have weakened Have been increasingly sensitive to shifting sounds of public opinion. If a party wishes to retain or regain power it can no longer rely on a large and permanent bed rock of support (the core) It must try to ensure it promotes issues that will win them votes in elections. This gives pressure groups a great deal of political leverage If they can demonstrate to political leaders that the issues support command under interest amongst the party and deliver so many votes, those leaders will be forced to listen Labour – trade unions Age uk – conservative Lib dems – free tuition fees

60. Why different pressure groups use different methods to achieve their aims To reach a wide audience. Wealthy pressure groups will use and pay for advertisement to advance their cause. The National Trust regularly uses the press to promote its causes. Other groups may use celebrities to gain media attention. To make use of their insider status. Insider pressure groups may simply make contact with the relevant government minister or senior civil servant to advance their cause. The NFU has close contact with the relevant Government department. To reflect their outsider status. Outsider pressure groups who know that the government will not take notice carry out high profile stunts (at times illegal) to capture the public attention. Fathers4justice often used this as a device.

61. Influence

62. methods used by pressure groups to influence government Insider groups can be said to have ease of access in directly contacting both ministers and civil servants Pressure groups may use e-petitions and the Internet to voice their concerns They may protest and demonstrate in high profile venues such as Governmental offices and parliament

63. Ways in which pressure groups exert influence The can openly protest by going on marches and demonstrations to raise the profile of the group and the issue they are concerned about They can make targeted protests to individuals or groups, by writing letters and signing petitions Pressure groups such as Trade Unions can withdraw their labour and go on strike Some ‘insider’ pressure groups can articulate and voice their concerns to those in power Direct action is a means of influence for some pressure groups who are not afraid to break the law

64. How and why do pressure groups seek to influence public opinion Protests and demonstrations Petitions and internet websites Use of experts and specialists and educational material They use these methods for a variety of reasons, including the following: To educate the public and build popular support for their cause or goals To influence government policy indirectly through popular, and therefore electoral, pressure.

65. Things that restrict the influence of a pressure group A Government in power which is hostile to the pressure groups aims, an example would be the current governments stance to student groups upon the raising of student fees A lack of finance may restrict power or curtail the pressure groups cause. In recent years some environmental groups have seen their income fall as the recession has caused their funds to decrease. A lack of experts and efficient leaders may stall the power base of a pressure group. Similarly a lack of recruited members can stall a pressure groups as it fails to get recruits to volunteer and publicise its message to a wider audience. A restrictive factor may be the strength of opposition groups, for example the forest vs ash Hostile public opinion

66. Why are some pressure groups more successful than others What is success? : influence legislation in your favour mainly

67. Size and finance Age uk, friends of the earth the countryside alliance (250,00) all claim influence through weight of public opinion Aa and race several million members – have leverage Being wealthy is no guarantee of a groups success, as the tabacco lobby has discovered over smoking, but it can yield positive results Political parties often receive donations that could lead to favourable outcomes Size often translates its self into finance and voting power There is no guarantee that a large pressure group will be successful trade unions have fallen out of favour with governments from both parties so that trade unions no longer pull their weight in the political circle

68. Philosophy and opposition groups Where a groups beliefs and aspirations are close to those of the government of the gay, success is very likely Intranget together, in sync Eg business groups – conservatives and not working with unlock democracy about anti terror laws When this happens, pressure groups actively becomes a battle of a battle of wills and the result is uncertain. Where groups are lucky enough now to have serious competition, there is greater chance to success, when there is opposition it limits success Eg airlines vs plane stupid/other environmental groups Ash vs forest

69. Insider groups, organisation and celebrity involvement Not guaranteed but insiders have more access to, and influence over, the decision making process Ability to organize and raise public profile Do more than finance/size Capture the imagination of the public eg greenpeace, plane stupid, countryside alliance Social media aids public profiling Replaces huge amounts of finance and public support in terms of influence, eg Elton john – gay/adoption rights

70. The changing nature of activities of pressure groups

71. Access points Has become spread over a much wider range of institutions – 4 aspects: Importance of eu Devolution powers to national regions Growth of policy making bodies outside the traditional party system Mobilisation of public opinion via the media/internet Increasing importance of the courts as a result of the passage of human rights act

72. Direct action Pressure groups feel they can exert more pressure on government by mobilising public opinion Governments are responsible to mass political movements (almost always outsiders) provided they can demonstrate widespread support More accepted way to try to influence eg plane stupid, free tuition fees

73. Participation Partisan dealignment Membership of pressure groups is increasing Membership is growing away from conventional party politics (membership/turnout) Participation has not decreased it has modernised

74. Digital democracy + concerns Pressure groups rely heavily rely upon the internet for publicity, gaining support and placing pressure on decision makers. Main features: Downing street, e-petitions gives direct access to the centre of power Other e-petitions can put pressure on mps to debate important issues It is possible to initiate and organize campaigns quickly/ efficiently Social, community and campaign networks can be built up to reach all interested parties Virtually all pressure groups, both interest/promotional/insiders/outsiders use the internet to reinforce their activities Can give false impressions reflect of internet users eg Britain first Excessive influence from the ‘mass population’ may not be well informed

76. To what extent are the largest pressure groups the most successful ones Numerical strength brings political leverage. For example often the numbers who are members of the RSPB mean that legislators listen to their voice. Numerical advantage often brings financial leverage. For example the numbers who are members of the RSPCA allow the organisation to take our nationwide advertisements to advance their cause and achieve success. The momentum achieved by a large well organised pressure group often means that a government has to listen and take action, it may not reverse its decision but it may deviate some aspect of its policy. The Labour and the current government has modified policies as a result of large protest. However there are numerous reasons and ample evidence to disprove the notion that size is the sole determinant of success, for example: Despite huge numerical strength some pressure groups have failed: the Stop the War campaign did not prevent the Iraq War, there is no evidence that the student protest will stop the increase in student tuition fees. Pressure group success may arise out of its status, insider groups with direct access to those who have power may be more effective. Some pressure groups are small, but if they speak for a significant minority and represent the bulk of a specialism then their small number is not ignored, the BMA is a good example of a numerically small organisation but the fact that it speaks for a vast section of doctors means it ‘punches above its weight’ in numerical terms. Often having a celebrity backing the cause may make up for small membership. Elton john gay/adoption rights Evidence may be cited that events, skill, expertise, a party in office and a host of other factors can be more important than size can be advanced.

77. To what extent is the success of pressure groups a reflection of their level of public support Pressure groups are successful largely when the public support the cause and endorse support Governments often act when public support is on the side of the pressure group such as the campaign to prevent the selloff of the Forestry Commission Certain causes such as the environment, animal and child welfare enjoy success as their causes motivate public support on a large scale. However not all agree that that pressure group success is a reflection of the level of public support alone and cite the following: Governments have ignored large campaigns such as the Stop the War campaign and the campaigns to prevent the increase in Student tuition fees Governments such as the coalition have ignored huge protests over the cuts in public expenditure Pressure group success is built on a variety of factors and levels of public support is one of many The above could include organisation, insider status, good leader, finance etc.

78. Are pressure groups becoming more powerful, or less powerful Turnout in all types of election continue to fall as citizens turn away from elections as a means of participation instead they turn to pressure groups to articulate their demands. Associated with this is the fall in popularity of political parties whose membership has plummeted: the public are instead joining pressure groups and this numerical increase adds weight and salience to their causes As the complexities of modern society increases governments and individuals turn to pressure groups for expertise and answers Improved communications have allowed pressure groups to advertise their cause via avenues such as the internet this raises the profile of certain groups and their message However not all agree that pressure groups have become more powerful: Turnout is not necessarily an indicator of dissatisfaction with the public more a sign of contentment. Political parties still marshal the vote at elections pressure groups influence but do not control this vital arena Governments hold power and are the ultimate decision maker, they may listen to pressure groups but in the end governments decide Hence we all too often see pressure groups fail in their attempts to change or block governments, the Hunting Ban, the War in Iraq, the introduction of (and the rise) in Student Tuition fees, the continuance of animal experimentation etc. Some argue that the multiplicity of pressure groups brings further problems for the importance of pressure groups, competing factions thwart impact, also confuse the population. For instance although the ‘green movement’ shows a spectrum of environmental concerns the groups do not speak with one authoritative voice, hence numerical increase does not lead to improved strength.

79. To what extent is pressure group power in decline Same question as one before

81. To what extent do pressure groups promote political participation The numbers joining pressure groups has vastly increased. By providing a channel of communication. Pressure groups can act as a point of political information and education. They can thus inform the public about events and aid understanding which then encourages participation. Pressure groups can participate in policy formulation as some may be consulted before and during this process. Furthermore some pressure groups actually put political theory into practice as they implement political directives; the best example of this is the NFU. Pressure groups can serve to represent the interests of specialist sections of society and minorities, who can via group formation meaningfully, participate in politics whereas as individuals the process may be cumbersome and overpowering. There has been a huge growth in the number of and the scope of cause groups which have been vital in promoting more active political participation. However there are arguments that pressure groups may damage or restrict political participation in the UK. It is argued that pressure groups may concentrate power to their particular advantage and pursue narrow self interest and the wider body politic suffers. Pressure groups are not accountable and thus they can act without constraints. - elitist Some pressure groups ignore the democratic mechanism and instead subvert the political process. This could be via various law breaking activities. It is suggested that pressure groups undermine the process of parliamentary participation where elected officials are the voice of the people. In a wide sense pressure groups can be said to lack full legitimacy and thus undermine participation. It is suggested that pressure groups can bring about elite decision-making. Despite the growth of pressure groups (in membership number and type) participation in elections has fallen.

82. To what extent have pressure groups become more important in recent years Evidence that pressure groups are more important could begin with their growth in number and diversity. Pressure groups have easier means of forming and then communicating their message. The internet has facilitated this. It has become easier to alert the public and pressure group members. One example of this was the encouragement by the Automobile Association and RAC to petition on the Government web site against the introduction of road pricing. This swift action served to show to the government that it had to re-think plans in that area. Hence on this basis communication improvement may have made pressure groups more important. Linked to this is the increased profile which the media may give to some pressure groups, an increased profile which makes the groups more important. Popular issues catch and make the headlines. ‘Make Poverty History’ was one such example. It may also be argued that the growth of government activity covering more aspects of citizens’ lives has made pressure group activity more important. When in difficulty or need the government seeks the specialist advice only available through pressure groups. Others point out the fact that a more educated multi-cultural Britain turns to pressure groups rather than political parties to find a voice; ethnic minority pressure groups speak for a number of racial groups. It may also be noted that the importance of certain groups reflects the age in which we live. Issues which were not on the agenda years ago are now at the forefront of politics. Issues such as the environment, gender issues and fuel costs to name but three. In these areas pressure groups, not political parties, make the running and lead in importance. The opposite view may argue that pressure groups are less important. The ability to form and communicate may help but it may also hinder. As groups may form others may form in opposition, and thus negate any rising importance. A lack of success may be apparent. The Countryside Alliance has not revoked or stopped the ban on hunting, the Stop the War Coalition did not prevent or end the Iraq war, the fuel protestors have not reduced the cost of fuel, Make Poverty History has not prevented world poverty etc. Trade Union power has diminished and the numbers in them have fallen. It is argued that the ‘star’ of all pressure groups have fallen since the 1980s and the Conservative government and all governments since. Power has fallen more to the executive on one level and the global economy/events on the other.