Answer in detail

Social Science : Civics

ELECTION, POLITICAL PARTIES AND PRESSURE GROUPS

V. Answer in detail:

1. Discuss the merits and demerits of direct elections.

Merits:

• As the voters elect their representatives directly, direct elections are considered to be a more democratic method of election.

• It educates people regarding the government activities and helps in choosing the appropriate candidates. It encourages people to play an active role in politics.

Demerits:

• Direct elections are very expensive.

• Illiterate voters sometimes get misguided by false propaganda and campaigning based on sectarian considerations.

• Some candidates influence the voters through payments (cash, goods or services)

• Election campaigns sometimes results in violence, tension, law and order problems.

2. What are the functions of political parties?

• Parties contest elections. In most democracies, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put up by political parties.

• Parties put forward their policies and programmes before the electorate to consider and choose.

• Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country. Formally, laws are debated and passed in the legislature.

• Parties form and run the governments.

• Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of the Opposition to the party in power. They voice different views and criticise the government for its failures or wrong policies.

• Parties shape public opinion. They raise and highlight issues of importance. Parties function as the useful link between people and the government machinery.

3. What are the function of Pressure groups in India?

Pressure groups carry out a range of functions including representation, political participation, education, policy formulation and policy implementation.

Political Participation:

• Pressure groups show their influence through activities like petitions, marches, demonstrations and other forms of political protest.

Education:

• Many pressure groups devote significant resources by carrying out research, maintaining websites, commenting on government policy and using high - profile academics, scientists and even celebrities to get their views across, with an emphasis to cultivate expert authority.

Policy Formulation:

• Many Pressure groups are vital source of information and render advice to the governments They are regularly consulted in the process of policy formulation.