The essentials
In a democracy, different groups have different interests, and they try to influence the state. Political parties are organisations that aim to gain control of government through elections. Max Weber described parties as oriented towards acquiring social power, that is, influencing communal action. A party brings together people with some shared ideas or interests, puts up candidates, frames a programme and, if it wins, forms the government.
Pressure groups (or interest groups) are organised groups that try to influence government policy without themselves seeking to form a government or contest elections. Examples include associations of business people, trade unions, farmers' organisations, professional bodies and groups campaigning for causes such as the environment or consumer rights. They use lobbying, petitions, media campaigns, demonstrations and strikes.
In India, parties have been linked to class, caste, region and ideology. Some groups that start as social movements or pressure groups later form political parties, and parties often have affiliated trade unions, student wings and farmers' bodies. Groups that lack access to the state may feel compelled to use movements and protests to be heard. Democracy works best when many interests can organise and compete fairly.
Key points
- Party: seeks power through elections.
- Pressure group: seeks to influence policy, not to govern.
- Business associations, trade unions and farmers' bodies are common pressure groups.
- Some movements later turn into political parties.
Exam tips
In case questions, ask: does the group contest elections to govern? If yes, it is a party.
Common mistakes
Do not call every protesting group a political party.