2. Pressure Groups Their role in a Democracy

3. Aim of a Pressure Group Pressure Groups do not seek to govern the country. They seek to influence the government to take their views into account when formulating new laws

4. Rights and Responsibilities Rights To recruit members To publicise their cause To campaign for change Responsibilities To act within the law. To recognise democratic government

5. Types of Pressure Groups When discussing Pressure Groups we can divide them into two types Cause Groups Interest Groups

6. Cause Groups Members are united by the fact that they have a shared view of the way society could be improved. Child Poverty Action Group Shelter Greenpeace

7. Interest Groups 1 These groups exist to advance the economic or professional interests of their members. Trade Unions Employers Associations Professional associations

8. Examples of Interest Groups TUC CBI BMA NFU

9. Interest Groups 2 These groups can sometimes be described as insider groups. This means they have access to the decision makers. NFU consulted by senior civil servants about regulations concerning BSE or Foot and Mouth

10. Insider Groups BMA consulted by government when new legislation being introduced regarding health or the reform of the NHS

11. Cause Groups These groups do not have the same access to the decision makers as interest groups. They therefore rely on other methods to influence the government

12. Reasons for the growth of Pressure Groups Disillusionment with political parties Growth of central and European govts has meant much more laws and regulations. Therefore people more likely to be affected by these decisions. Success of other pressure groups

13. Are pressure groups good for democracy Allows more participation. Allows more scrutiny of government Important decisions often made by small group of influential people in private

14. Methods of Cause Groups Petitions Lobbying Parliament Press campaigns Direct Action