Demonstrations, strikes, agitation, protests, etc. by various groups like employees, doctors, students, lawyers and farmers, are very common activities these days. Sometimes these activities are undertaken by formally organized groups such as Trade Union, Doctor’s Association, Teacher’s Association, etc. to exercise pressure on the government for framing policies, withdrawing bills or implementing laws in a manner that suits their interest. Such groups are called interest groups. Show An interest group is often contrasted with a political party, which refers to an organization, composed of leaders or would-be leaders and supporters, whose aim is to make effort in placing its nominated members in the government office, by holding various positions. In this written material, you will find all the differences between political party and interest group. Content: Political Party Vs Interest Group
Comparison Chart
Definition of Political PartyA political party refers to an association of persons, set up voluntarily so as to promote policies and principles, to run the government. It also nominates and supports some of its party members as leaders for the purpose of elections. The members agree to the ideology of the party, concerning various policies and programmes for the welfare of the society at large. Further, the views may differ, as to what is good for the public, they try to convince people by stating ‘why their policies are better, as compared to other parties‘. And they look for the implementation of these policies by winning the majority votes of the population in elections. So, it indicates underlying divisions of the society based on the ideologies of different political parties.
It exercises and looks for political power by way of constitutional means, so as to put its policies into practice. Simply put, a political party is a body of people with similar values, opinions, and views on matters that concerns the general public. Characteristics of Political Party
Also Read: Difference Between Pressure Group and Political Party Definition of Interest GroupAn interest group can be defined as a formally organized association of people, which attempts to influence public policy. It covers all those intermediary organizations or bodies that work for the betterment of the society or state. They play a significant role in every country as they influence the process of policymaking In simple words, an interest group is a voluntary body of individuals having common interests to promote and protect – economic, social, cultural, religious, environmental, educational, and linguistic well being. They organize programmes and rallies to influence government policies, officials, laws, institutions, as well as decisions taken by different branches i.e. legislative, executive and judiciary using methods like lobbying, strike, agitation, dharna, etc. The primary purpose of these groups is to influence the creation of such policies and laws which can affect their interests directly or indirectly. So, they differ in their size, power, objectives, wealth etc. Characteristics of Interest Group
Also Read: Difference Between General Elections and Bye-Elections What is Lobbying?Lobbying is the process of persuasion in which various organized groups or associations seek to influence, laws, policies, or decisions taken by the government.
Now as we have understood the meaning of these two, let us discuss the difference between political party and interest group:
Functions of Political Parties
Functions of Interest Groups
Also Read: Difference Between Regional Party and National Party ConclusionSo, the basic difference between a political party and an interest group is that an interest group attempts to influence policymakers, but they do not attempt to take over the control of the government. As against political parties focus on governance, by contesting elections and gaining majority seats in the parliament, so as to form the government. |