Question

How do pressure groups and movements strengthen democracy? Explain.

Answer 1

Hint: The very basic right of any citizen in a democracy is the right to protest or freedom of expression as it is mentioned in the Article 19 of the Indian constitution.

Complete answer:
Democracy is a form of Government which is the representatives of the people. Pressure groups and movements help deepen democracy as they justify the right of freedom of expression. Let's see how they help build a democracy.

i) It helps to put pressure on the rulers which is not an unhealthy activity in democracy as people can put pressure if their demands are not met.
ii) Public interest groups perform an important role of countering the unfair influence of the stronger class and reminding the government of the needs and concerns of the ordinary citizens.
iii) Sectional interest groups also play a very valuable role because different groups function actively, no single group can achieve hegemony over society.
iv) If one group brings pressure on the government to make policies in its favour, another will bring a favourable counter pressure not to make policies in the way of a particular group.
v) It's the duty of the Government to hear the different sections of the population and what they want from them which leads to a balance of power and accommodation of conflicting interests.

Note: Although these pressure groups can turn violent sometimes, it is the duty of the government to cater to their needs and solve the crisis amicably without disrupting the interests of any group.