The following factors determine the working of pressure groups:
(1) Size and Nature of Organisation:
A pressure group’s size is obviously one factor affecting its ability to obtain what it wants. Other things being equal, groups with many members are likely to be more successful than groups with a few members simply because of the fact that the former represent many voters and the latter a few voters.
(2) Degree of Unity among the Members of an Interest Group:
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Cohesion is the most single element affecting success of a group. A large but internally divided or apathetic group is defeated by a small but cohesive group. In politics as in war, ten men who work united and closely together are more powerful than a hundred whom corporate loosely or not at all.
(3) Leadership:
Leadership too is one of the most important factors responsible for success or failure of an interest group. A group’s effectiveness depends to a great extent upon the quality of leadership. Leadership is a prime factor. A good leader has to perform both internal and external functions for his group and to keep the group on trade.
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(4) The Environment of the Political System:
Lastly, the organisation, tactics and chances for success of any interest/pressure group are powerfully affected by the political and governmental system in which it operates; the various in these systems among the democracies do much to account for the differences in the structure and impact of their pressure politics.
To conclude our analysis of the working of groups and the factors which determine their role, we can say that in all contemporary political systems several interest groups have been playing an important role in politics. To organise and work through their groups stands accepted as a fundamental right of the citizens of democratic systems.
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Austin Ranney observes, “The rights of citizens to organize and advance their ideals and interests by peaceful methods of discussion and negotiation, is an essential principle of democracy.
It is the basic justification not only for permitting the existence of pressure groups but for tolerating political parties as well in any nation in which this right is guaranteed. Pressure groups like political parties will continue to be organized and to play a significant role in the policy-making process of democracy.
