groups in democratic society

• Give two ways in which groups in a democratic society can influence the decisions of the government. (2 marks)

  1. pressure groups can represent causes that citizens care about and put pressure on the government to take their views into account when creating policy.
  2. trade unions can represent the interests of workers and can campaign against the government for improved pay and conditions.
• Public Institutions & Services:

  • Schools, hospitals, courts, etc.
  • Funded by taxes, usually run by paid staff
  • Support citizens’ daily needs (e.g. NHS)
• Charities & Voluntary Groups:

  • Support causes and raise awareness (e.g. Amnesty International)
  • Non-profit and help improve conditions
• Interest & Pressure Groups:

  • Influence government policy
  • Can be local, national, international
  • Use campaigns, lobbying, media, etc.
  • Voluntary (some paid staff)
  • May act as insider groups with government access
  • 
    

  Examples: Age UK, Greenpeace, NSPCC, BMA, Oxfam
• Trade Unions:

  • Represent workers (e.g. teachers, shop workers)
  • Help improve pay/conditions
  • Use collective bargaining
  • Represent in disputes and tribunals