In the UK today, representative democracy is what is being practised. It is also referred to as a pluralists democracy. This means that there are multiple means by which different groups and sections of the society can get their voices heard. For example Political parties, social media and pressure groups. This essay would now define pressure groups simply as an organised group that seeks to influence government policy or legislation at virtually all levels local, national or...
In the UK today, representative democracy is what is being practised. It is also referred to as a pluralists democracy. This means that there are multiple means by which different groups and sections of the society can get their voices heard. For example Political parties, social media and pressure groups. This essay would now define pressure groups simply as an organised group that seeks to influence government policy or legislation at virtually all levels local, national or regional without seeking power by putting up candidates for election. They perform wide range roles which cannot be overemphasised. Their roles are as vital in our society today as they help check the government by ensuring that they don’t get too powerful. Although this is one major function of the political parties and parliament, still the pressure groups are a dynamic reinforcement. The pluralists view pressure groups to be good for democracy to a large extent as they are better placed to show the government and parliament how the public feels about key issues and ideas while the elitists hold an opposite view. They view pressure groups as being undemocratic since they allow those with the loudest voice to be heard most.
In line with both views as mentioned earlier and taking some roles of pressure groups into consideration, this essay will discuss the extent to which these pressure groups have enhanced democracy in the UK.
