question_answer

Is the influence of mobilisation and movement groups healthy?

Answer:

Actually, it may initially appear that the influence of mobilisation and movement groups is not healthy for Democracy as they tend to promote the interest of one section. A democracy must look after the interest of all, not just of one section.

Also these groups wield power without responsibility like political parties have to face the people in elections but these groups are not accountable to the people.

Pressure groups and movements may not get their funds and support from the people. Sometimes pressure groups with small public support but lots of money can highjack public discussion in favour of their narrow agenda.

On balance however pressure groups and movements have deepened democracy. Putting pressure on the rulers is not an unhealthy activity in a democracy as long as everyone gets this opportunity.

In this way Public interest groups and movements perform a useful role of countering this undue influence and reminding the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.