Relationship Between Political Parties And Pressure Groups


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Relationship Between Political Parties And Pressure Groups

Relationship Between Political Parties and Pressure Groups: The relationship between political parties and pressure groups can take different forms. Some are direct and others are indirect.These are

  • In some instances, the pressure groups are either formed or led by the leaders of political parties or act as extended arms of political parties. For example, most trade unions and students organisations in India are either established by or affiliated to any major political party.
  • Sometimes political parties grow out of movements. For example, when the Assam Movement led by students against the 'foreigners' came to an end, it led to the formation of the Asom Gana Parishad. The root of parties like the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) in Tamil Nadu can also be traced to a long-drawn social reform movement during 1930s and 1940s.
  • In most cases, the relationship between parties and interest or movement groups is not so direct. They often take positions that are opposed to each other.
  • Movement groups have raised new issues that have been taken up by political parties. Most of the new leadership of parties comes from interest or movement groups.
  • Is the Influence of Pressure Groups Healthy? It may initially appear that it is not healthy for groups that promote interest of one section to have influence in democracy. A democracy must look after the interests of all, just one section. Also, it may seem that these groups wield power without responsibility. Political parties  have to face the people in elections, but these groups are not accountable to the people. Putting pressure on the rulers is not unhealthy activity in democracy. Public interest groups and movements perform a useful role of countering undue influence and reminding the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.

    It is impossible for one single group to achieve dominance over society in the presence of different groups. A pressure put by a group on the government to make policies will be countered by another group. The government gets to hear about what different sections of the people want. Ultimaltely, this leads to a rough balance of power and accommodation of conflicting interests.

     
     
     


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