Distinguish between political parties pressure group …

Different groups sought to represent their interests by forming groups or associations as:

1. Industrialists from associations such as the Federation of Indian Chambers and Commerce (FICCI) and Association of Chambers of Commerce (ASSOCHAM).
2. Workers form Trade Unions such as the Indian Trade Union Congress (INTUC) of the Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU).
3. Farmers form agricultural unions such as Shetkari Sangathan. Agricultural Labour have their own unions. In a democratic form of government political parties are key actors.
4. A political party may be defined as an organisation oriented towards achieving legitimate control of the government through an electoral process. Political parties are based on certain understanding of society and how it ought to be. In a democratic system, the interests of different groups are also represented by political parties, who take up their case. Different groups will work towards influencing political parties. When certain groups feel that their interests are not being taken up, they may move to form an alternative party. These particular groups can, also, form pressure groups who lobby with the government.
5. Interest groups are organized to pursue a specific interest in the political arena, operating primarily by lobbying the members of legislative bodies. In some situations, there may be political organizations which seek to achieve power but denied the opportunity to do so through standard means. These organizations are best regarded as movements until they achieve recognition.