Pressure groups are
very important in the contemporary state system because they give meaning to
the democratic process as important institutional components of liberal democracy.
Thus, this article
will examine the meaning and types of pressure groups. Involved in this
analysis is the explanation of the primary functions of pressure groups as
instruments of political interaction and participation.
Meaning of Pressure Groups
Pressure groups are
informal political institutions which seek to influence decision-making. They
neither stand for elective positions nor aim to
capture political to form a government.
They
differ from parties because they are not entirely political even though they
are organizations which are to a certain degree concerned with politics.
Put differently,
although they share some characteristics with political parties, pressure
groups are not aiming to exercise political power directly. They are agencies
of representation and participation as well as mechanisms for the expression of
interest and opinion.
They
facilitate popular involvement in politics. Some of the active pressure groups
in Nigeria include: the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nigeria
Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Union of
Journalists (NUJ) among others.
Types of Pressure Groups
There
are two types of pressure groups:
(1)
Sectional Pressure Groups
(2)
Promotional Pressure Groups
Sectional lobby groups include self-interest groups such as trade unions; business and farming associations; churches; ethnic associations; pensioner groups; and returned service personnel.
On the other
hand, promotional lobby groups promote particular causes, beliefs or values
such as: conservation; women’s issues; Aboriginal; civil; or moral rights.
Functions
of Pressure Groups
Pressure
groups are groups of like-minded people who seek to influence
the government on a particular issue.
The
primary functions of pressure groups include:
1) Pressure
groups try to make the government more attentive to the needs of the people.
This is because as groups with many members sometimes nationally spread, they
command more respect than individuals who may be fighting for similar causes.
2) Pressure
groups provide specialized and expert information to the government on their interests
and explain government policies to their members and the general public. Thus,
they are an important link between the government and the people.
3) They
help to educate their members and the whole society on their fundamental human
and political rights, and some government policies.
4) The
political education and consciousness of citizens are promoted through the activities
of pressure groups.
5) They
promote the economic stability of the country through their useful advice to
the government on economic policies. An example is the Nigerian Association of
Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
6) They
promote certain general welfare services.
7) They promote and protect the interest of their members.
For example, the Academic
Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) got a special salary scale approved for its
members.
Importance of Pressure Groups
Active
and well-oriented pressure groups are an asset in a democratic society because
they influence government policy in the right circumstances.
In an
ideal political setting, pressure groups are important for the following
reason:
1) They
promote discussion and debate and mobilize public opinion on key issues
2) They
perform a role in educating citizens about specific issues
3) Pressure
groups can enhance democratic participation, pluralism and diversity
4) They
provide an important access point for those seeking redress of grievance
5) They
represent minorities who cannot represent themselves
6) Pressure
groups are an important and valuable source of specialist information/ expertise
for an overloaded legislature and civil service
7) They
act as a check and balance to the power of executive government
Strategies Used by Pressure Groups to achieve their Objectives
Pressure
groups may use a variety of methods to pursue their requirements.
These
include:
(i) Lobbying
state members and the Parliament via petitions, letters and deputations.
(ii) Consulting
with ministers or senior public servants.
(iii) Hiring
professional lobbyists.
(iv) Taking
legal action through injunctions or appeals to higher courts.
(v) Campaigning
for, or opposing, certain candidates at elections.
(vi) Demonstrating
outside Parliament and government offices or marching in the streets.
(vii) Using the industrial muscle of strikes for political purposes.
Conclusion on Meaning, Types and
Functions of Pressure Group
Pressure
groups are the principal pillars of any democratic system. They provide an opportunity
for citizens to make political decisions either by influencing government
policies or voting for the competing candidates in elections.
By so doing, they
not only serve as intermediaries between the
government and civil society but also offer
citizens a choice in governance. All these are central to the wider consolidation of democracy.
In this article, we
have examined the meaning, types and functions of Pressure group as instruments
of political interaction.
Involved this
analysis is the functions of pressure groups and strategies they deploy in
achieving their objectives.
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