GROWTH OF PRESSURE GROUPS

Although pressure groups are generally regarded as a modern phenomenon, they have a fairly long history. In the 19th century, for example, the Chartists and the Anti-Corn Law League were very significant pressure groups. However, the main growth of pressure groups has been in the second half of the 20th century.

There are a number of reasons for this:

> the growth in the scale and role of government, for example, through the welfare state, economic intervention, etc. There are now many more reasons and opportunities to influence decision making

> governments themselves have found it useful to consult with appropriate bodies when preparing new legislation, etc.

> it has been argued that political parties have become less effective and less representative; they have failed to represent adequately all of the many different interests in society - pressure groups have filled that gap

> the combination of economic, social and educational change has created an articulate middle class who are both willing and able to become involved in political and pressure group activity

> there has been a long term trend of declining party membership matched by a growth in the membership of campaigning organisations, noting that many of the individuals who join campaigning organisations find traditional parties unattractive

> the growth of a 'dominant' party system has meant that, to effect change, it has become more necessary to influence decisions within the governing party, rather than waiting for a change of government to bring about the desired change.