UPSC GS Study Notes

Governance

Pressure Group vs Political Party

  • 10 Jul,2023
  • Team ExamGuru

Tags:

GS-II Pressure Groups & Formal/informal Associations & Their Role in Polity Pressure Groups & Political Parties

Pressure Group vs Political Party

Basis for Comparison

Pressure Group

Political Party

Meaning

Pressure Group, refers to the interest group that attempts to influence the government policy, for a definite objective.

Political Party alludes to an organization of people that focuses on the acquisition and retention of power through collective efforts.

Aims at

Exerting influence

Acquiring power

Entity

It is informal, conceited and unrecognized entity.

It is formal, open and a recognized entity.

Membership

Only persons of similar set of values, beliefs and status can join pressure group.

People with similar political ideology can become members.

Elections

They do not contest elections; they only support political parties.

They contest elections and participate in the campaign.

Accountability

They are not accountable to people.

They are accountable to people.

Conclusion

In a democratic nation like India, Pressure groups provide an informal means to meet and serve needs of different classes and sections of society. However, pursuit of illogical and unnecessary demands should not override affirmative action to ensure a vibrant and inclusive polity.

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