Introduction
Parties and interest groups are different agents in a democracy, and both play key roles in advancing societal interests into decision-making. The two intersect in contemporary politics mostly in a structured format when they interrogate certain policy issues (Allern et al.). Further, in some cases political parties do invite participation and input from interest groups in the policy-making process. However, the way parties choose to interact with different groups could be important for the quality of political representation and public policy outputs (Allern et al.). This essay will discuss the distinct attributes of pressure groups and parties and how their traits differ, the influence both have on politics and elections, and the nature of the impact parties and lobbyists have on democracy.
Characteristics of Interest Groups
A political pressure group is an alliance of individuals that tries to influence public action plan in its favor. They have common interest and seeks to promote what benefits its members or a section of the society (Wadwaniya). However, they are not formed for political reasons; scarcity of resources or claims, and incompetencies of political parties and their leaders usually promote and lead to their formations in bid to advocate for their members. In their nonpolitical role, they strive to gain favorable outcomes from public policy resolutions. Further, they employ means such as financing parties, and sponsoring candidates in elections, so as to gain favor in case they win elections (Wadwaniya). In addition, they equally finance political campaigns, for instance, in the United States, political action committees (PACs) normally fund candidates who are contesting in elections. Their work and mode of operation rely heavily on both internal (having direct inside contact with policymakers) and external (using public or outside pressure on policymakers) lobbying.
Characteristics of Political Parties
Parties serve as a conduit between members of the public and elected officials or the government. It is thought that citizens in their larger number can effectively exert influence when they work together in groups, and the existence of parties gives them that capacity (McGraw Hill). Therefore, they are formed to acquire power, form government, pursue an ideology, and have a common agenda to execute. As a result, parties compete among themselves in elections, reducing the options available to citizens (voters) to two or three parties. In casting a majority of votes for one particular party, the electorate chooses that party’s candidates, philosophy, and policies over those of other opposing parties (McGraw Hill). For example, in the United States, voters are normally called upon to cast their ballots in a competition between Republicans and Democrats.
Unlike other democracies where many parties compete, the American electoral system is anchored on single-member districts. This structure discriminates against smaller parties, hence the dominance of only two main parties (McGraw Hill). In addition, they are defined by how they respond to challenges, and their activities towards winning the masses’ or the public’s support. In some instances, parties control the mechanisms of recruiting their candidates for elective seats. On the other hand, there are cases where the process is candidate-centered (McGraw Hill). For instance, in the United States, the system changed due to the introduction of direct primaries, where candidates are nominated by the people. Likewise, party organizations assist their candidates with research on issues, fundraising, and media training, among others.
Differences between Parties and Interest groups
Some of the features that sometimes are common with interest groups are demonstrations, strikes, agitation, and protests. They use these methods to exert pressure on the government and its agencies to formulate and implement policies in a manner that favors their interests. Firstly, interest groups form objectives that are geared towards promoting only specific interests, while parties are organized to contest in elections and win power to form governments (Surbhi). Secondly, lobbyists tries to influence the formulation of policies, and government decisions through well-funded campaigns, whereas, parties runs and manages countries after winning elections. Pressure groups concentrates solely on the matters that concerns their members; on contrary, parties serve the whole public in all issues. Fourthly, to effect the public and government opinion, interest groups employ techniques such as lobbying, and litigations, however, parties use electoral processes as a means of achieving their agenda (Surbhi). Additionally, in terms of purpose, parties compete to determine who takes government, conversely, influence the actions taken by the officeholders.
Parties and Interest group’s Influence on Politics and elections
Together, parties and interest groups work towards shaping public opinion around certain campaign issues and policies. In most cases, parties tend to align with groups that advocate for ideologies that are similar to their campaign manifestos so as to gain the support of members of those particular groups (Allern et al.). Further, in exchange for political influence, interest groups normally provide parties they are aligned with critical information that appeals to the groups’ constituents, which enables them to win elections (Røed). Additionally, both parties and interest groups affect politics and elections by contributing funds, making independent expenditures, advocating issues, and mobilizing voters (McGraw Hill). For example, lobbyists always cast their net among different candidates for several key elective positions by organizing meetings to raise money for their campaigns. Parties, equally, sponsor their candidates through money, research, and media awareness to increase their chances of triumphing over their rivals.
Parties and Interest groups Influence on Democracy
Parties and interest groups depend on each other; they influence democracy, the electoral process, and policy making. For example, both normally participate in unbiased and partisan primaries and general elections through endorsements of candidates, giving campaign funds, media visibility, and research on issues (Wadwaniya). These overlapping functions help to educate the citizens about their civic duties and enrich the political discourse with fresh ideas. Additionally, they enhance citizens’ participation in the democratic process and contribute to strategy formulation and legislation (Wadwaniya). Furthermore, though seen to be advancing different goals, both work to ensure that all the rights, and liberties, of the citizens are protected.
Conclusion
Parties and interest groups are different agents in a democracy, and both play key roles in advancing societal interests into decision-making. Both have distinct characteristics, but together they influence public policies, politics, elections, democratic processes, and government formations in various countries. Parties exist to connect citizens and elected leaders, to win electoral processes and form government, whereas pressure groups attempt to influence policy formulations in favor of their members. However, the two differ in the sense that parties strive to achieve their objectives by winning competitive electoral processes, whereas interest groups use demonstrations, strikes, agitation, protests, lobbying, and litigation methods to meet their goals. Lastly, both impact on democracy by educating the citizens about their civic duties and enrich the political discourse with new ideas.
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Works Cited
Allern, Elin, Haugsgjerd, Hansen, Vibeke, Wøien, Rasmussen, Marshall, Anne, and Webb, Paul D. “Competition and interaction: Party ties to interest groups in a multidimensional policy space.” European Journal of Political, vol. 60, no. 2, 2020, pp. 275-294. Web.
McGraw Hill. 2022. Web.
Røed, Maiken. “Party goals and interest group influence on parties.” West European Politics, 2021, pp. 953-978. Web.
Surbhi, S. “Difference between Political Party and Interest Group.” Key Differences. Web.
Wadwaniya, Mahek. “Role of Pressure Groups and Political Parties in Electoral Process.” National Journal for Legal Research and Innovative Ideas, 2o21. Web.