Essay: Evaluate the extent to which pressure groups enhance democracy in the UK

1. against - lack of influence over gov - P. majority of pressure groups unlikely to exert influence if not in line with aims of gov / majority opinion of society - fails to enhance REPRESENTATIVE democracy + protection of minority interests e. free to form and operate, but are unlikely to influence policy if the tide of public opinion is against them Countryside Alliance fails to prevent passage of 2004 Hunting Act - because their views not in line with dominant views in society a. fails to enhance democracy as, if a pressure group represents a minority viewpoint, it is likely to be ignored by a government who seek electoral success e. even if a pressure group does have substantial support, if it does not align with aims of a clearly mandated majority gov, it is unlikely to exert legislative influence eg In spite of the 'Million march' of 750,000 protesting against Iraq 2003 (largest ever), due to Blair's desire to establish good relations between labor and the US republican party, and Labor's 412 seats in parl, Operation Telic went ahead In spite of 80 UK uncut campaigns since 2010, they had little influence as Cameron gov committed to austerity a. therefore, it must be argued that, within a rep dem the influence of pressure groups is always secondary to the priorities of an elected government - therefore they fail to truly enhance democracy OA. Therefore, it can be argued that pressure groups fail to enhance democracy as governments are normally only receptive to groups which share their outlook and aims. However, it is important to acknowledge that in many cases government policy U turns have been forced by pressure groups which do not allign with government aims. 2. against - lack of influence over gov - p. inequality of influence = lack of true pluralism / dispersal of power (pressure group elitism) - some 'ultra insiders' have disproportionate influence on gov whilst well financed pressure groups invariably exert greater influence e. well funded pressure groups = gives access to 'political resources' - needed to run successful campaign - eg run offices pay staff etc. - eg RSPCA employs over 1,600 staff and get national attention through full page ads - puts pressure on gov through ability to influence public opinion - are also insiders and often used by gov to implement animal policy also, those groups wealthy enough to employ lobbyists tend to enjoy heightened influence (NSPCC employ's lobbying group ' Portland' to act on it's behalf) a. as financial resources are arguably a pre requisite for pressure group influence as they enhance organizational capabilities, smaller minority groups with smaller memberships who are