B. A. 1st Sem, Unit: IX, Political Science, Class Notes, According to KU- NEP
Unit IX: Political Parties, Pressure Group & Public Opinion
By
Dr. Farzeen Bano
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Political Parties
Political parties are a fundamental element of modern democratic systems. They play a pivotal role in shaping political discourse, mobilizing voters, forming governments, and acting as intermediaries between the government and citizens.
Meaning and Definition of Political Parties
Meaning:
A political party is an organized group of people who share common ideologies, policies, and objectives and work together to gain political power, influence governance, and implement their agenda.
Definitions:
1. Edmund Burke, "A political party is a body of men united for promoting by their joint endeavors the national interest, upon some particular principle in which they are all agreed."
2. Maurice Duverger, "A political party is a group of people with the aim of gaining political power within a government."
3. Anthony Downs, "A political party is a coalition of men seeking to control the governing apparatus by legal means."
Origin of Political Parties
- Political parties emerged as an integral part of representative democracies.
- Historically, they evolved in the 17th and 18th centuries during the rise of parliamentary systems in Europe, especially in England and France.
- In the modern context, political parties gained significance with the expansion of suffrage and democratic governance.
Characteristics of Political Parties
1. Organized Structure:
Political parties have an organized hierarchy with leaders, members, and cadres working in coordination.
2. Shared Ideology:
Members share a common ideology or set of principles guiding their policies and actions.
3. Aims to Gain Power:
The primary goal of a political party is to contest elections and form the government.
4. Policy Formulation:
Parties articulate policies and programs addressing national and local issues.
5. Intermediary Role:
They act as a bridge between the government and citizens, voicing public grievances and demands.
6. Voluntary Membership:
Political parties allow citizens to join based on their interests, beliefs, and values.
Functions of Political Parties
1. Representation:
- Political parties represent diverse social, economic, and cultural interests.
- They ensure that the voice of the people is heard in the policymaking process.
2. Political Education:
- Parties educate citizens about political ideologies, current issues, and government policies.
3. Policy Making:
- Parties propose programs and policies for governance based on their ideologies.
4. Elections and Candidate Selection:
- They nominate candidates for elections and mobilize support during campaigns.
5. Formation of Government:
- Winning parties form governments, while the opposition critiques and checks the ruling party.
6. Accountability:
- Parties ensure accountability of the government to the public and the legislature.
7. National Integration:
- They work to unite diverse groups within society under common national goals.
Types of Political Parties
1. Based on Ideology:
- Left-wing Parties: Advocate socialism, welfare, and equality.
- Right-wing Parties: Promote conservatism, free markets, and nationalism.
2. Based on Membership:
- Cadre Parties: Rely on a small, organized group of ideologically committed members (e.g., Communist Parties).
- Mass Parties: Focus on mobilizing a large number of supporters (e.g., Indian National Congress).
3. Based on Representation:
- Regional Parties: Represent specific regions or communities (e.g., DMK in Tamil Nadu).
- National Parties: Operate across the entire country (e.g., BJP, Congress in India).
4. Based on Political System:
- Single-party System: One dominant party controls the government (e.g., China).
- Bi-party System: Two major parties dominate politics (e.g., the USA).
- Multi-party System: Several parties compete for power (e.g., India).
Role of Political Parties in Modern Democracies
1. Ensuring Political Stability:
- By organizing elections and forming governments, parties contribute to political stability.
2. Promoting Political Participation:
- Parties mobilize voters and encourage political awareness and engagement.
3. Providing Policy Choices:
- Parties present diverse policies, offering citizens a choice during elections.
4. Opposition’s Role:
- Opposition parties provide checks and balances, ensuring accountability of the ruling party.
5. Resolving Conflicts:
- By representing varied interests, parties mediate and resolve social and political conflicts.
Challenges Faced by Political Parties
1. Corruption and Nepotism:
- Internal corruption and favoritism undermine the credibility of parties.
2. Lack of Internal Democracy:
- Decision-making often remains concentrated in the hands of a few leaders.
3. Influence of Money and Muscle Power:
- Wealthy individuals and criminal elements often exert undue influence.
4. Polarization:
- Parties sometimes prioritize divisive agendas over national interests.
5. Low Public Trust:
- Increasing disillusionment among citizens reduces their trust in political parties.
Reforms in Political Parties
1. Promoting Internal Democracy:
- Ensuring transparent leadership selection and decision-making processes.
2. State Funding of Elections:
- Limiting the influence of money power by providing state support for campaigns.
3. Accountability Mechanisms:
- Strengthening laws to ensure financial transparency and adherence to ethical standards.
4. Encouraging Youth and Women Participation:
- Ensuring adequate representation of marginalized groups within parties.
Conclusion
Political parties are indispensable for the functioning of modern democracies. Despite their challenges, they remain a key mechanism for political representation, participation, and accountability. Strengthening political parties through reforms and promoting greater public trust is essential for democratic governance.
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Types of Political Parties in India and the World
Political parties are categorized based on their ideology, structure, membership, objectives, and geographical reach. Below is a detailed overview of the types of political parties in India and globally.
Types of Political Parties in India
1. National Parties
- Operate across the entire country and address national issues.
- Recognized by the Election Commission of India based on specific criteria, such as performance in Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha elections.
- Examples:
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Ideology of Hindutva and nationalism.
- Indian National Congress (INC): Centrist ideology focusing on secularism and socialism.
- Communist Party of India (CPI): Marxist ideology promoting socialism and worker rights.
2. Regional Parties
- Operate in specific states or regions and focus on local issues, culture, or communities.
- Play a significant role in coalition politics.
- Examples:
- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK): Tamil Nadu, promoting regional identity and social justice.
- Shiv Sena: Maharashtra, focusing on Marathi identity and regional pride.
3. Ideological or Issue-Based Parties
- Focus on specific ideologies, social movements, or issues like caste, religion, or environmental concerns.
- Examples:
- Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Advocates for Dalits and marginalized communities.
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): Focuses on governance reforms and anti-corruption.
4. Caste and Community-Based Parties
- Represent specific caste groups or communities, often focusing on their socio-economic upliftment.
- Examples:
- Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD): Represents Yadavs and other backward castes in Bihar.
- Indian Union Muslim League (IUML): Focuses on Muslim interests in Kerala.
5. Independent or Non-Affiliated Parties
- Smaller parties or independents that operate without national or regional affiliation.
- Examples:
-Lok Satta Party: Advocates governance reforms and transparency.
Types of Political Parties in the World
1. Single-Party System
- Only one political party is allowed to operate, often under authoritarian regimes.
- Elections, if held, are controlled by the ruling party.
- Examples:
-Communist Party of China (CPC): Sole ruling party of China.
- Worker’s Party of Korea: Governs North Korea.
2. Two-Party System
- Two dominant parties compete for power, with minor parties playing a marginal role.
- Ensures political stability but limits voter choice.
- Examples:
- United States: Democratic Party and Republican Party.
- United Kingdom: Labour Party and Conservative Party.
3. Multi-Party System
- Multiple parties compete for power, allowing greater diversity but often leading to coalition politics.
- Common in parliamentary democracies.
- Examples:
- India: Features several national and regional parties.
- Germany: Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), and others.
4. Dominant-Party System
- Multiple parties exist, but one party dominates the political landscape for extended periods.
- Examples:
- South Africa: African National Congress (ANC) has been dominant since 1994.
- Japan: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) dominated for decades.
5. Ideological Parties
- Focus on a specific ideology, such as socialism, communism, or environmentalism.
- Examples:
- Green Party (Germany): Focuses on environmental and social issues.
- Communist Party of Vietnam: Advocates Marxist-Leninist ideology.
6. Ethnic and Religious Parties
- Represent specific ethnic or religious groups, often advocating their rights and interests.
- Examples:
- Shas (Israel): Represents ultra-Orthodox Jews.
- Scottish National Party (SNP): Advocates for Scottish independence.
7. Revolutionary Parties
- Aim to bring about radical political or social change, often through non-traditional means.
- Examples:
- Bolshevik Party (Historical): Led the Russian Revolution of 1917.
- FARC (Colombia): A Marxist revolutionary group turned political party.
8. Populist Parties
- Focus on representing the "common people" against the elite or establishment.
- Examples:
- Five Star Movement (Italy): Advocates direct democracy and anti-establishment policies.
- National Rally (France): Focuses on nationalism and anti-immigration policies.
Conclusion
Political parties, whether national or regional, single-party or multi-party, are vital for the functioning of democratic governance. They represent diverse interests, ensure political accountability, and provide a platform for citizens to participate in governance. Understanding their types helps analyze their role in shaping political systems worldwide.
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Pressure Group
Pressure groups play a significant role in shaping the policies and decision-making processes of governments and political systems worldwide. They represent the interests of specific groups or sections of society and influence public policy without directly participating in elections.
Meaning of Pressure Groups
Pressure groups are organized groups that seek to influence policymakers and government decisions to achieve specific objectives or promote certain interests. Unlike political parties, they do not aim to capture political power but to exert pressure from the outside.
Definitions of Pressure Groups
1. Prof. Almond, "Pressure groups are organizations that attempt to influence public policy without directly contesting elections."
2. Finer, "Pressure groups are bodies that promote their special interests by attempting to influence government decisions."
3. Robson,"Pressure groups are associations that seek to influence public policy in their favor without aspiring to form a government."
Characteristics of Pressure Groups
1. Specific Objectives: Pressure groups focus on particular issues or interests, such as business, labor, environment, or education.
2. Non-Electoral Nature: They do not contest elections or aim to form a government.
3. External Influence: They exert pressure on policymakers through lobbying, protests, or other means.
4. Voluntary Membership: Membership is voluntary and based on shared interests or objectives.
5. Diverse Nature: Pressure groups vary widely in their goals, size, and methods, ranging from local to international levels.
6. Informal Organization: While some pressure groups are formally structured, others operate informally.
Types of Pressure Groups
1. Interest Groups
- Represent specific sections of society, such as workers, farmers, or businesspeople.
- Examples:
- India: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC).
- World: American Medical Association (AMA).
2. Cause-Based Groups
- Advocate for a specific cause or issue, such as human rights, environment, or education.
- Examples:
- India: People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).
- World: Greenpeace, Amnesty International.
3. Institutional Groups
- Formed within institutions like the military, bureaucracy, or universities to protect their interests.
-Examples: Teachers’ unions, Bar Councils.
4. Associational Groups
- Formed by individuals sharing common objectives, such as professional associations or trade unions.
- Examples: Bar Associations, Indian Medical Association (IMA).
5. Anomic Groups
- Spontaneously formed groups that lack formal structure and organization.
- Often use protests or demonstrations to achieve their objectives.
- Examples: Students’ protests, labor strikes.
Methods Used by Pressure Groups
1. Lobbying
- Direct interaction with policymakers, legislators, or government officials to influence decisions.
2. Media Campaigns
- Using traditional and social media to create awareness and garner public support.
3. Protests and Demonstrations
- Organizing rallies, strikes, or sit-ins to pressure the government.
4. Legal Action
- Filing lawsuits or public interest litigations to achieve objectives.
5. Research and Reports
- Publishing studies, white papers, or reports to influence public opinion and policymaking.
6. Collaborations
- Working with other organizations or international bodies to strengthen their position.
Role of Pressure Groups in a Democracy
1. Representation: Represent diverse societal interests, including those of minorities and marginalized groups.
2. Policy Influence: Help shape public policy by providing expertise and highlighting key issues.
3. Accountability: Act as watchdogs, ensuring governments remain accountable to the public.
4. Political Education: Educate citizens about their rights, responsibilities, and public issues.
5. Participation: Encourage public participation in democratic processes beyond voting.
Criticism of Pressure Groups
1. Unequal Influence: Wealthier and more organized groups often exert disproportionate influence.
2. Undemocratic Methods: Some groups resort to unethical practices, such as bribery or coercion.
3. Narrow Focus: Pressure groups often prioritize their interests over national or public welfare.
4. Lack of Accountability: Pressure groups operate outside formal democratic structures and lack accountability.
5. Conflict of Interests: Competing groups may create policy gridlocks, delaying important decisions.
Examples of Pressure Groups
1. India:
- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
- Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU).
- Narmada Bachao Andolan.
2. Global:
- Greenpeace.
- Amnesty International.
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Difference Between Political Parties and Pressure Groups
1. Objective: Political parties seek to gain power; pressure groups aim to influence policies.
2. Scope: Political parties address multiple issues; pressure groups focus on specific concerns.
3. Methods: Political parties contest elections; pressure groups lobby or protest.
Conclusion
Pressure groups are indispensable to a functioning democracy as they represent diverse societal interests and ensure that the government remains responsive and accountable. However, their effectiveness depends on maintaining transparency, ethical conduct, and inclusivity in their operations.
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