Question 4
Identify five merits of pressure groups in a democratic state.
Observation
This was a popular question. The performance of candidates that attempted the question was good as they understood the demands of the question. Some of the candidates scored low marks by writing on the modes of operation of pressure groups instead of their merits. However, candidates are to provide the following points in order to score good marks.
(i) A check against dictatorship.
(ii) Help to prevent bribery and corruption in their activities.
(iii) Provide useful information in the process of law making.
(iv) Assist in policy formulation and implementation.
(v) Educational Programmes – seminar, Lectures, debates etc.
(vi) Conduct research useful for the administration of the state on technical issues.
(vii) Serve as a link between the people and the government.
(viii) Serve as yardstick for measuring the popularity of government’s policies.
(ix) Existence of Pressure Groups is also a hallmark of the practice of democracy and assist freedom of association.
(x) Claim prowling the cause of the under privileged in the country.