Pressure groups in Turkey and role and influence of TSK in forming public's vision

The interest groups whose legitimacy has been under discussion previously, are now considered crucial elements of pluralistic democracy, important economic and social powers as far as method of sharing on governmental responsibility is concerned. With the concept of interest group, it is generally referred to conscious and beneficial foundations that relay the demands of the public opinion to the government. Interest groups are especially represented as a solution to lack of participation of representative democracy. Interest groups are foundations, which society?s gather around common interest and put pressure on governmental mechanisms for these interests. Formerly syndicates, associations and professional establishments were accepted as interest groups. Although it is still questionable, bureaucracy is accepted as interest groups as well. In our country, interest groups could not find a chance to develop under nationalistic and governmental politics during single party period. TSK, TOBB and TÜSİAD can be listed as the most dominant and important interest groups after entering into the multiparty era. In addition to this, bureaucracy still holds its importance, although it has lost power after it is politicized after 1980?s. Additionally worker syndicates and professional establishments, which are not as strong as their western counterparts, are also important interest groups. In public vision, status of Turkish Armed Forces with an aspect of accomplishing all undertaken missions seccessfully as an association, arise from public?s perceivation. The effect of Turkish Armed Forces, which had played an important role in the foundation of the Republic and constantly seen as the most reliable establishment by the people, on public opinion has been discussed.