Functional representation

Functional representation is where there is representation in a legislative or political body based on the economic and social groups in a community

The nature of elections in the UK mean that this is mainly achieved through the contribution of pressure groups, who in this way supplement and add to the democratic process in society.

Because representative democracy in the UK sees the political parties aggregate policies and water down their principles, pressure groups speak up for minorities who might get ignored. These minorities include business pressure groups, trade unions, religious groups and those who speak up for the disabled and children.