Question

Which among the following is the special feature that distinguishes a pressure group from a political party?

• A. Parties take political stances, while pressure groups do not bother about political issues.
• B. Pressure groups are confined to a few people, while parties involve a larger number of people.
• C. Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do
• D. Pressure groups do not seek to mobilize people, while parties do.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do

Answer: The correct answer is option (C) – Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do.

• Organisations with the objective of attempting to influence the Government policies are known as Pressure groups.
• Promoting the interests of a group of society or interests of particular sections of society is the usual aim of interest groups.
• Professional associations of teachers, doctors, lawyers; business associations, trade unions are some examples of interest groups. Interest groups are also nothing but pressure groups.
• With the aim of achieving a common objective, organisations like pressure groups are formed when people with common opinions, aspirations, interests, occupation come together.
• The public interest group or also known as the promotional groups.
• Insteading of just promoting selective good, collective good is promoted.
• Apart from their own members, public interest groups will help other groups also.
• Their activities are beneficial for others too.
• For example, Narmada Bachao Andolan was a campaign against construction of Sardar Sarovar dam on Narmada river, but now it has expanded its objective to fight against construction of dams in general and not just on Narmada river.
• The above pressure group does not contest elections and are not interested in gaining political power but to campaign for the cause of people displaced due to dams and thereby put pressure on the Government to change their decisions.