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How do PG's threaten democracy? (Political inequality (Threat is that…
How do PG's threaten democracy?
Behind the scenes influence
PG' influence isn't subject to scrutiny/accountability.
'behind closed doors'.
Insider groups -> ideas discussed away from public/media scrutiny.
Unaccountable power means it diminishes parliament and undermines parliaments democracy.
Insider links means HoC doesn't get to discuss (govt ministers).
Tyranny of the minority
PG's represent minorities not majorities and help prevent tyranny of the majority.
PG's create a place where minority views prevail at expense of public interest.
PG's more powerful as govt can't hold society.
PG's using direct action means they operate outside democracy (strikes).
E.G firefighters in 2002.
Political inequality
Threat is that PG's tend to empower already powerful - increasing political inequality.
PLURALISTS; inequality is broadly democratic and most successful groups have large membership and wide support.
Most powerful PG's have lots of money/expertise and privileged govt links .
Some PG's more powerful than others.
PG's increase voice of wealthy that have resources over govt.
Non Legitimate Power
Critics question if PG power is legitimate as most leaders aren't democratic.
PG's not publicly accountable and influence to democratically legitimate.
Very few PG's have internal democracy.
Increase in PG's dominated by small numbers of senior professionals, BUT some have self appointed spokesman.