What is the difference between interest Groups and Pressure Groups? Are the Pressure Groups in India in a position to fully protect or promote the interests of their members? (UPSC CSE Mains 2015- Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2)

Interest parties are a large category of organizations that are formed to promote a special interest. Theoretically, interest categories involve pressure categories, though the wider populace is generally more associated with pressure/ interest organizations in the advocacy field. These categories as organizations are dealing with an objective rather than authoritarian policy control should be distinguished from pressure categories.

Pressure categories, within interest categories, are particular domains. These categories use constant and manipulative tactics to manipulate politicians and persuade them. Pressure groups in India are always political in nature and are generally advocacy or lobbying firms or organizations.

Interest parties are clustered established by persons who have a shared passion of any kind From intramural activities to policy, this mutual desire maybe everything. As government advocacy organizations, most persons are acquainted with interest groups, although they aren’t always politically linked.

Pressure parties are advocacy entities as well, but they are formed primarily to deal with legislative or governmental problems where interest categories may simply really want to foster any involvement within their party or their wider population, pressure categories are created to exert “pressure” on politicians or public organizations to implement policies in the interest of the pressure group.

Interest parties have different hierarchical grades and categories. Interest categories, nevertheless, typically have some type of organized structure, a hierarchy or at most defined positions. Seeing as interest categories are often revenues or financials of nonprofits or corporations, an institutional arrangement is mandated by statute.

Pressure parties are organised systematically and narrowly. They also act as corporations or are organized as non-profits. Pressure parties generally have a solid organizational structure and they are basically advocacy agencies. After the ruling in the case of the Citizens United Supreme Court, some companies today act as pressure parties since these laws on corporate contributions vary.

Since interest parties are a diverse classification, this may spread their proposals using a vast range of strategies Rhetorical or psychological convincing strategies are more widely employed, that are less aggressive and coercive than persuasion methods. Interested parties, although not in an overtly political atmosphere, can use capital as a negotiating tool.

For using persuasion techniques, pressure categories are called. Pressure strategies may extend to profits which contribute to constant and manipulative coercion to approve a deal. Pressure methods had a negative image within the corporate world very much with the use of unethical strategies like threats and corruption. That being said, because the actions of pressure parties are closely controlled, illegitimate forms of pressure techniques can not be counted on.

Rather, at sessions, ads and marketing, and fundraising and campaign contributions, they will use intimidation techniques like relentless contact, knowledge dropping and incessant conversation. Usually, pressure parties actively contact politicians or firms before they persuade or blackmail a policymaker to embrace the stance of the organization.

In the U.S., the federal government does not appear to strictly control political organizations that are unrelated to legislation and advocacy. There will be no reason to file with the authorities for a broad football interest group which does not contribute to governments or legislators and therefore does not engage in lobbying activities. Interest parties which lobby and fundraising events are, nevertheless, controlled.

By design, pressure categories need federal supervision Their operations and contacts with politicians are tightly limited since interest parties aim to manipulate legislation. There really are laws that preclude ties among a legislator and a lobbyist’s partner, and also stringent limits on donation and providing for lawmakers’ trips or snacks.

The government regulates the cashflow of interest parties; pressure categories are forced to report much of their politically-related economic operations, and thus are restricted on just how much they can finance and contribute to members of the party.

Pressure groups are now considered as an indispensable and helpful element of the democratic process. The society has become highly complex and individuals cannot pursue their interests on their own. They need the support of other fellow beings in order to gain greater bargaining power; this gives rise to pressure groups based on common interests. Pressure groups in India represent interest of various sections of Indian society and economy such as Business groups, Trade unions, Professionals group, Students organisation, Agrarian groups etc. Various shortcomings of Pressure Groups in India include the following:-

  • Misuse of power: Instead of the pressure groups exerting influence on political process, they become tools and implements to sub serve political interests.
  • Narrow selfish interests: Some Pressure Groups promote narrow selfish interest. 
  • Instability: Most pressure groups do not have autonomous existence; they are unstable and lack commitment, their loyalties shift with political situations which threatens general welfare. They many a times resort to unconstitutional means like violence. Naxalite movement started in 1967 in West Bengal is one such example.
  • Propagating extremism: Pressure groups can allow too much influence over the government from unelected extremist minority groups, which in turn could lead to unpopular consequences.


POSTED ON 20-01-2024 BY ADMIN
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