Home » Governance » Pressure Groups » Pressure Groups influence the political system:
- Pressure groups vary in size and organizational structure, which may not necessarily represent the amount of influence exerted upon a government’s policies. Pressure groups are primarily a consequence of inadequacies of the political parties.
- It is obvious that trade unions, business organizations and professional associations can exert considerable pressure upon governments
- Pressure groups shores up the accountability of the government and serve as a vital check on government actions and inaction. It helps in cultivating a responsive and pro-active government. For instance, in the State of Rajasthan, a people’s organization known as Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghthan (MKSS), could succeed in making the people question and demand information on money spent on roads; loans to poor and so on. This made the basis for the right to information movement.
- Pressure groups are a vital link between the government and the governed. They keep governments more responsive to the wishes of the community, especially in between elections.
- Pressure groups are able to express the views of minority groups in the community who might not otherwise receive a hearing. For example, the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) movement has generated consciousness amongst the people in questioning the actions of government regarding dam construction and its repercussions.
- Pressure groups are able to use their expertise to provide the government with important information. It is also applicable to issues such as Indigenous reconciliation.
- Pressure groups offer an alternative source of advice to the government, separate from that coming from the Public Service. E.g.: Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan – Criminalization of Triple Talaq bill
- Pressure groups generally promote opportunities for political participation for citizens, without the need to join a political party. Moreover, they allow for the democratic rights of freedom of speech, assembly and association to be upheld.
