ABSTRACT
Since the 1960s it has been assumed that campaigning groups (in particular, environmental groups) have brought ‘added value’ to Western democracies. They are perceived as having enhanced the democratic process in three main ways: first, they have highlighted hitherto weakly represented perspectives; second, they have mobilized large numbers of citizens not previously involved in the policy-making process; and, third, they have enriched democracy with responsive leadership accountable to members. All of these factors are normally (and normatively) seen as beneficial. In addition (and more controversially), these bodies are seen as the ‘democratic’ successors to political parties which, according to some sceptics, are in serious decline.
