Essay on "In What Ways Do Pressure Groups Help and Hinder the Democratic Process"

Essay 6 pages (1945 words) Sources: 10

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Pressure Groups

In what ways do pressure groups help and hinder the democratic process

Pressure or interest groups are groups that seek to influence policy or decision making in a democratic society. A good example of a pressure group in the United States is the National Rifle Association (NRA), which seeks to influence political decision-making and state policy formation with regard to gun ownership and licensing. The question that is often raised in this regard is whether these pressure groups have a useful and contributory function in a democracy or whether they tend to retard or hinder the full democratic process by their efforts and influences.

From one perspective, also known as the pluralistic point-of-view, these groups are seen in a positive light and tend to invigorate the democratic process or debate. However, from another perspective, these groups are seen as being too influential and result in an unnatural bias and distortion which tends to corrupt the democratic process. Both these views will be discussed in this paper.

Arguments for and Against Pressure Groups

A common definition of a pressure group is that it is a generic term for any group that, "…tries to influence a specific political decision "(Do pressure groups help democracy, or do they hinder it?). There are many types of pressure groups to be found in politics and which influence the state and society. These include the following:

Promotional groups which advocate causes, such Fathers-4-Justice.

Interest groups that are involved in the representation and promotion of certain sectors of civil society; for example, trade unions.

Pressure groups that represent a combined set of interests.

Episodic pressure groups. These are groups that form to fight for a certain cause or project at a certain time; for example, groups opposed to nuclear waste in certain areas.

(Richards, 2006, p.419)

From certain perspectives these and other pressure groups are detrimental to the democratic process. As one study notes, for some, "…pressure groups undermine the whole principle of democracy"; while from another perspective they are a "…fundamental part of democracy." (Do pressure groups add to democracy?) In order to understand this debate and the contrasting viewpoints one has to firstly to understand the basic interpretations of the concept of democracy.

Democracy is usually defined as follows:

Democracy is a system of government where decisions are arrived at by majoritarian principles with representatives elected at periodic elections where political equality and political freedom allow the voter an effective choice between competing candidates in a secret ballot." (Do pressure groups add to democracy?)

Within the parameters of this definition there are differing models or views of democracy and the democratic process. The pluralist modern of democracy takes the stance that "… power is exercised by the mass of the population, rather than by a small elite group." (Pluralism) Furthermore, according to this model of democracy "…the distribution of power in society is & #8230;widely dispersed rather than concentrated into the hands of the few. It also follows that… the state acts impartially - responding to the demands of different popular pressures." (Pluralism)

Therefore, in terms of this model of democracy, pressure groups function positively in that they prevent the domination of a single group. This is perceived as democratically 'healthy' in that it inculcates and encourages participation in the political process and prevents bias and a power imbalance in the society. In essence, the central argument for pressure and interest groups is that "…it ensures that power is dispersed rather than concentrated into the hands of a few and, at the same time, it allows the view of minority groups to be voiced." (Pluralism)

The above stance is also bolstered by the view that political parties are not able to fully represent all the needs and demands of the people and therefore pressure groups are an essential component in democratic representation. "Pressure groups enable particular interests and causes to be heard and to exert influence in public decision and decision-making." (Pluralism) In other words, pressure groups are seen as remedying many of the weak aspect of democratic representation. In this sense they

"….permit a continuous dialogue between government and the governed" and "... provide opportunities for political participation." (Richards, 2006, p.422) They also "…provide the government with both information an expertise in specific areas and, more importantly, they defend various minority interests and views and prevent bias and the abuse of political power." (Richards, 2006, p.422)

One of the central arguments for the importance of pressure groups in the democratic process is that they are perceived as a focal point for shared views and attitudes that may exist in the society. They also assist the democratic process by providing channels for people to become included in issues that are of concern to them. They therefore, "… enable the intensity of feeling on political issues to be given focus" and "act as an efficient channel of communication between the government and the people articulating needs and mobilising support for them." (Do pressure groups help democracy, or do they hinder it?)

On the other side of the debate there are those who view the power that pressure and interest groups can exert as being counter to basic democratic principles. It is felt that there are pressure groups and certain lobbies that become too influential and distort the democratic balance. As Richards ( 2006) states, "… not all groups have equal access." (Richards, 2006, P.422) There may also be marked differences in resources and leverage between different groups. This may lead to 'cleintelism' which can skew the democratic process. (Richards, 2006, P.422) In other words, some groups may be more powerful than others and this could lead to a new form of elitism, where the better funded pressure and connected groups could supersede other pressure groups with equally valid agendas.

This criticism of pressure groups is also linked to the view that they are not democratically elected and therefore the possibility exists is that they are both unrepresentative and not accountable to an electorate. (Richards, 2006, P.422) Furthermore, there is also the possibility that some pressure groups may become so powerful that they feel entitled to disregard the law and even to use violent methods to attain their ends -- clearly a form of action unacceptable in a democracy. Many critics refer to the fact that powerful pressure groups are capable of disrupting society and creating internal conflict.

Consequently, there have been a number of critiques of the pluralist democratic model which advocates pressure groups. One criticism is that while it is true that pressure groups do play a role in improving participation, this participation is achieved in an unequal way; which means that well funded and organized groups will benefit but that poorer and less well organized groups will be at a disadvantage. (Do pressure groups add to democracy) As one study notes, "In this sense, they work against - not in favor of - the public interest." (Do pressure groups add to democracy) As noted above, a central critique of the pluralist view of these groups is that they are often not elected and therefore not representative. " Few groups have procedures for consulting their members. As a result, the views expressed by group officials may not be shared by the group's members." (Do pressure groups add to democracy) Furthermore, the views of others may be ignored if they do not coincide with the agendas of those in charge of the pressure groups.

Another argument that is put forward against pressure groups is that they can be a distraction from more relevant issues that face society. In other words, this view suggests that, "The ruling class would rather that people put their energies into pressure group activities, which do not question the fundamentals of the system than into political activity, which seriously challenges the right of the elite to govern." (Do pressure groups add to democracy) Coupled with this is the view that because these groups can be in-egalitarian this may increase social discontent and create social disruption. This may be caused by the marginalization of other members of society who are excluded from the pressure group. There is also the view that these groups may become corrupt and intimidate others without any overarching accountability to the larger populace.

A more extreme view and critique of these groups is as follows;

There is a difference between an educational institution and a pressure group. An educational institution works towards educating people, whereas a pressure group has nothing to do with education or awareness. They work to further a set of objectives they have decided on -- for a so-called social purpose. (Bhandari, 2003)

The above critique is aligned to the view that pressure groups can hinder the democratic process and become biased. The assertion is raised that they can "…disguise their dictatorial agenda in nice sounding words: progressive, democratic, values, human rights." (Bhandari, 2003)

Conclusion

Pressure and interest groups form an important and often valuable part of the democratic process in any country. The… READ MORE

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