7. Are pressure groups good or bad for democracy Part 2

Question 1

what is pluralist theory

Answer 1

Pluralist theory:
- Power is fragmented and dispersed
- Large numbers of groups all compete with equal opportunity and influence

Question 2

what is pluralist democracy

Answer 2

Pluralist democracy:
- Open and fair competition between all political parties and pressure groups
- So many groups are competing against each other that no single group is able to become to powerful

Question 3

What is the ‘revolving door’?

Answer 3

Ministers and civil servants retire —> only to be hired by lobbyists —> returning to lobby their old colleagues

Question 4

what is elitist theory

Answer 4

Elitist theory:
- Power is concentrated and restrained
- Many groups might compete, but very few have real influence

Question 5

How could pressure groups actually reinforce, rather than challenge, political inequality?

Answer 5

…Wealthy and well connected individuals and groups… —> …have the resources and status to more effectively lobby… —> making it easier to protect their interests and status as… (then the cycle repeats)

Question 6

How can pressure groups help limit the power of government?

Answer 6

• parliamentary select committees regularly consult a wide number of pressure torus due to their expertise
• Invite them to come and give evidence on the impact of government policy
• Many groups have taken legal action when the government has acted ‘ultra vires’ (beyond their legal powers), or if legislation infringes on human rights

Question 7

Why did Douglas Hurd describe pressure groups as “serpents that strangle efficient government’?

Answer 7

Pressure group activity – particularly direct action – can slow the legislative process, and block important bills e.g. strikes, protests, civil disobedience, media campaigns

Question 8

What is the tyranny of the minority?

Answer 8

Tyranny of the minority:
- Pressure groups often give voice to minority, rather than majority, groups
- Should a small group of wealthy insiders force the government to put their minority interest before the broader national interest?
- Should a small but vocal outsider group be able to use direct action to force the government to give in to their demands