User:Dishakirtonia

= IMPORTANCE OF PRESSURE GROUPS ON MODERN POLITICS = A pressure group can be described as an organised group that does not put up candidates for election, but seeks to influence government policy or legislation. They can also be described as 'interest groups ', 'lobby groups ' or 'protest groups '.Interest groups, acting as pressure groups, have become increasingly

important as a means by which individuals can attempt to influence governments regarding their particular requirements. Pressure groups vary

in size and organisational structure, which may not necessarily represent the amount of influence exerted upon a government’s policies. Although individuals within a representative democracy possess rights,allowing them to lobby parliamentarians and governments concerning pertinent issues, a collective approach can often exert more powerful pressure on decision makers, as well as consolidating a range of similar ideas and opinions into a cohesive format.

There are two types of pressure groups:


 * Sectional Lobby Groups This includes self-interest groups such as: trade unions; business and  farming associations; churches; ethnic associations; pensioner groups; and  returned service personnel.
 * Promotional Lobby Groups This category promotes particular causes, beliefs or values such as:

conservation; women’s issues; Aboriginal; civil; or moral rights.

HOW IS THE INFLUENCE EXERTED
It is obvious that trade unions, business organisations and professional associations can exert considerable pressure upon governments. On the other hand, a small ad hoc committee,established because of a local issue, may rally sufficient supporters for mass demonstrations or marches, and thus, pressure a government into quickly altering its policies. Pressure groups may use a variety of methods to pursue their requirements.

These include –


 * Lobbying state members and the Parliament via petitions, letters and deputations.
 * Consulting with ministers or senior public servants.
 * Hiring professional lobbyists.
 * Taking legal action through injunctions or appeals to higher courts.
 * Campaigning for, or opposing, certain candidates at elections.
 * Demonstrating outside Parliament and government offices or marching in the streets.
 * Using the industrial muscle of strikes for political purposes.

POSITIVE INFLUENCE OF PRESSURE GROUPS
Like every political side the influence pressure groups also has some positive sides and effect towards the society. Its plays many vital role in politicsand the government. Pressure groups are a vital link between the government and the governed. They keep governments more responsive to the wishes of the community, especially in between elections. Pressure groups are able to express the views of minority groups in the community who might not otherwise receive a hearing. Pressure groups are able to use their expertise to provide the government with important information. It is also applicable to issues such as Indigenous reconciliation.Pressure groups generally promote opportunities forpolitical participation for citizens, without the need to join a political party.

NEGATIVE INFLUENCE OF PRESSURE GROUPS
Pressure groups may represent a powerful minority force in society and exert political influence to the detriment of the majority of society. This is an argument often leveled at trade unions and business groups. Some pressure groups exert influence because of their financial position, membership or organisation. This influence may be out of proportion to their position in society.The use of direct action by pressure groups (eg. strikes by unions, demonstrations, blockades, pickets) can cause hardship to the community in general. Some pressure groups are not democratic in themselves.Some have powerful, but unrepresentative leaders who may not be representative of anyone but themselves. Some leaders do not reflect the opinions of their organization's members.

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