Techniques Used by Pressure Groups

Sectional Interest Groups and Public Interest Groups

Sectional Interest Groups...

Techniques Used by Pressure Groups

Propagandizing: It refers to the technique of influencing public opinion and gaining indirect influence over the government since public opinion is very important in a democracy. Electioneering: Placement in the public office persons; who are favorably disposed towards the interests of the concerned pressure group seek to promote. Lobbying: Persuading public officers, to adopt and enforce certain politics which prove more beneficial to their interests....

Roles of Pressure Groups

Pressure groups play important roles in democracy because of representation and also social welfare. Some important roles of pressure groups are as follows:...

Characteristics of Pressure Groups

Use of both Tradition and Modern Means: Financing political parties, sponsoring their candidates, etc. are some modern means and traditional ones include the exploitation of castes, creed, and religious feelings to promote their interests. Increase Pressure and Demands on Resources: The result of scarcity of resources, and claims on resources leads to a steady rise of pressure groups. Inconsistencies of Political Parties: Nonfulfillment of the promises made by the political parties and not working constantly at the goals promised, lead to discrepancies....

Classification of Pressure Groups

Institutional Interest Groups...

Pressure Groups in India

Trade Unions: All India Trade Union Congress, and the Indian National Trade Union Congress are a few examples of Indian trade unions. Business Groups: Federation of India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Federation of All India Foodgrains Dealers Association (FAIFDA), etc. Agrarian Groups: All India Kisan Sabha and Bharatiya Kisan Union are a few examples. Religious Groups: Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS), Jamaat-e-Islamic, etc. are a few examples of religious groups in India. Anomic Groups: Some examples of anomic groups are Naxalite groups, the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), etc....

Functions

The degree of involvement may have a line of demarcation. Pressure groups are recognized in a pluralistic society with a democratic system. It ensures broad participation to the point of making them the primary avenues of activity outside of the ‘official administration.’ A totalitarian organization, on the other hand, encourages and allows them to work on a specific path that is advantageous to its own interests....

Role of Pressure Groups

In a modern political system where the state is inextricably bound to the values of representative democracy and social welfare, pressure organizations play a critical role. There is one thing that has to be mentioned here....

Pressure Groups and Movements with Politics

They run information campaigns, organize meetings, circulate petitions, and so on in order to gain public support and sympathy for their goals and activities. They frequently organize protest activities such as strikes or disruptions of government programs. Some members of pressure groups or movement groups may serve on official bodies and committees that advise the government....

Relationship between Political Groups and Pressure Groups

In certain circumstances, pressure organizations are created or headed by political party officials, or they serve as political parties’ extended arms. In India, for example, the bulk of labor unions and student groups were created by or are affiliated with one of the major political parties. Movements can spawn political parties. For example, when the Assam student movement against “foreigners” came to an end, it resulted in the foundation of the Asom Gana Parishad. In most circumstances, the relationship between political parties and interest or movement organizations is not so straightforward. As most new leaders of political parties come from interest or movement groups, conversation and negotiation take place in this instance as well....

Movement Groups

Movements are also comprised of a diverse range of groups. The numerous instances given above demonstrate a straightforward distinction. The majority of the movements are issue-specific and aim to achieve a single goal in a short period of time. Others are more broad-based movements that aim to attain a long-term goal. This type of movement is well-exemplified by the Narmada Bachao Andolan....

How do they influence politics?

There are many ways pressure groups exert influence on politics:...

Is the influence healthy?

It may appear at first that having power in a democracy is unhealthy for organizations that promote the interests of one portion of the population. A democracy must consider the interests of all citizens, not just one group. Furthermore, these organizations may appear to wield power without accountability. Political parties must confront voters in elections, but they are not accountable to the general public. Pressure groups with little public support but a lot of money can sometimes hijack public debate in order to further their restricted objective....

Drawbacks of Pressure Groups

Misuse of Power: Instead of influencing the political process, the pressure groups become tools and implements to kind of subserve the political interests of certain parties. Instability: Unstable and lack commitment, their loyalties are shifted with political situations which threaten the overall welfare and many times resort to violence. Narrow Selfish interests: In India, these pressure groups are organized based on religious, regional as well as ethnic issues. Because of this, instead of serving the purpose of usefulness, they are sometimes reduced to selfish needs....

FAQs on Pressure Groups

Question 1: What are pressure groups?...