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 g