Question

Interest groups are part and parcel of a functioning democracy. Discuss.

Answer 1

• Interest groups are organised to pursue specific interest in the political arena, operating primarily by lobbying the members of the legislative bodies.
• When certain groups feel that their interests are not being taken up, they may move to form an alternative party.
• Democracy is a form of government for the people, by the people and of the people. In this system interest groups are formed for specific interest.
• Interest groups are private organisation. They are formed to influence public policy.
• These are non political systems and their main goal are to take care of their own interest.
• Political parties are established organisations with the aim of achieving governmental power and using that power to pursue a specific programme. Different interest groups will work towards influencing political parties.
• These organisations are regarded as movements until they achieve recognition.
• The interest groups play a significant role in Indian democracy and they perform various important functions such as:           

(a) Formation of Public Opinion :- Using various forms of propaganda and communication, they mould public opinion. To get goodwill of public opinion and change in administrative system in their own favour they use T.V., radio, Email and various forms of social media, twitter and face book.

(b) Function at the time of Natural Disaster :- These interest groups provide help during natural calamity like Himalayans Tsunami at Kedamath or earthquakes etc. By doing such social activities they get public attention and favour and they influence the government.