The presence and power of pressure groups in a state depends on a number of factors. Pressure groups can be reached out by the govt or can keep themselves from it. However, there are numerous factors which make pressure groups a backbone of democracy while other factors undermine it. Pressure groups enhance pluralism, which is a characteristic of democracy, as it encourages competing centres of power, representation and choice. Especially true where pro and anti- groups coexist, depicting all shades of opinion.
Depending on the resources at their disposal and the power and influence they are able to wield there are varying degrees constraints encountered by political actors as well as promising opportunities to assert authority1. The post-Cold War dynamic has paved the way for a diverse array of politically activated groups, which have broken away from the tradition political units, such as the nation state, and created a new idea of what constitutes a ‘political actor’ 2. Therefore the term ‘political actor’ is in need of definition, and specification, in order to clarify what groups can be classed as political actors as well as which groups will be considered in this essay. In general terms political actors can be thought of as individuals or groups of people who react to pressures within a society and drive for change or attempt to prevent change in order to uphold the views of those they represent3. These individuals or groups fall into many categories in the contemporary political arena where decreased transactions costs make communication far quicker and cheaper than ever before and the ease with which people can travel allows the constant exchange of ideas and action.
For some, pressure groups are a fundamental part of democracy. To others, pressure groups undermine the whole principle of democracy. 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. How do pressure groups fit in with this concept? In the pluralist model of democracy, pressure groups play an essential role.
Political Power My thesis is, governments, politicians, corporations, unions, advocacy groups, as well as citizens all yield forms of political power, such as hard, soft and derivative power, for many different objectives. To understand political power, you must first understand power, and politics. Power, as defined on page 3 of the text book, states that it is a way to control persons, or institutions behavior, by persuasion of coercion. Politics is a process in which a community selects a leader, empowers them, with decision making, action taking ability for common goals, and reconciles conflicts within the community. Through political participation, we empower leaders we hope will have policies for the general good, betterment of society, the public interest in mind.
Power and Politics Question and Answer How does power and politics in organizations compare? Power and politics have several similarities. The largest similarity is found in their desire to sway others. Power is recognized as the ability to influence others to do what is needed, or to accomplish something in a particular way. This is typically accomplished through a combination of control and influence.
Sometimes this can conflict with their party’s policy, but there are many occasions when such MPs can protect their constituents and take it up further with the party, and any other government bodies. It is a key part of the democratic system that each individual feels that there is an elected representative who will listen to their problems, and try to resolve them. Also to some extent both Houses of Parliament are expected to act as representatives of society as a whole, as the MPs/Peers express their concerns to them and they have to make final decisions. The second main feature of the UKs democratic system is direct democracy, more precisely referendums: to some extent Britain is becoming more of a consultative democracy which is a limited kind of direct democracy, but the true meaning is where the citizens themselves make critical decisions, the device used for this is a referendum: this is an occasion when citizens, either all or just in a specific region, are asked to determine a question of public importance. A referendum is
In what ways do pressure groups enhance democracy? For some, pressure groups are a fundamental part of democracy. To others, pressure groups undermine the whole principle of democracy. 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. Pressure groups are a product of freedom of association, which is a fundamental principle of liberal democracy.
This proves that CSOs are capable of bringing changes on different levels that help protect the vulnerable from threats and develop their rights. Pressure from domestic audience On a smaller scale, the pressure from domestic population plays a deciding factor on securitising threats as well. Governments, needing to maintain legitimacy with its people, would have to address threats faced by its people. If there are issues that threatens the human security of the people, it is likely that protests and riots will be started. If the matters continue to be disregarded, the government would then face threats on their own accountability to the people and their right to rule.
Interest Groups as defined by SprakNotes (2010) are “organization’s of people who share a common interest and work together to protect and promote that interest by influencing the government”. They also vary greatly in size, aims and tactics but generally have either Economic or Noneconomic goals. This aside they both share the same core ideas and reasons for their existence and these are to make sure the “government remains responsive to the communities in which they serve” (Acker, V. Et al 2013). In knowing this, the purpose of this essay is to critically analyze the affects Interest Groups have on the society in which they operate and brings to attention the main positive and negative roles caused through their application such as the theory of Pluralism and its flaws, Hyperpluralism, and other roles in which they benefit or disadvantage society in general. This essay will argue that there is no one side when looking at the effects of interest groups and that the society in which they operate will continually feel both the positive and negative results of their activities.
Political behavior can be defined as an influence or attempt to influence the administration of recognition and disservice. A broader definition would include behavior such as; withholding essential information from key staff members, entering a coalition, whistle blowing, spread of rumors, breach of confidentiality and more. Managers and leaders impact organizations when any particular manger or leader implements the use of power tactics and or political behavior. In an organization leaders tend to use power tactics or influence tactics such as legitimacy, and or exchange tactics. Leaders also tend to make use of some political tactics such as blaming others, and or passing the buck.