Here we present Popular Struggles and Movements Class 10 Important Questions and Answers Pdf Social Science Political Science Chapter 5, We have collected all the important questions which came in the previous year exams. You can also find Social Science Class 10 Important Questions With Answers Pdf from the year 2010 to 2020 CBSE board exams. These questions will act as extra questions.
Popular Struggles and Movements Class 10 Important Questions with Answers Social Science Political Science Chapter 5
2016
Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]
Question 1.
How are issue-specific movements different from generic movements?
Answer:
Issue-specific movements seek to achieve a single objective within a limited time.
For example, Narmada Bachao Andolan in India. Generic movements seek to achieve a broad goal in very long time. For example, women’s movements.
Question 2.
Which organisation led the protest against water privatisation in Bolivia?
Answer:
FEDECOR led the protest against water privatisation in Bolivia.
You can also read class 10 civics chapter 5 extra questions to score more marks.
Question 3.
Distinguish between pressure groups and political parties by stating any one point of distinction.
Answer:
Pressure groups resort to agitational politics like marches, demonstrations and strikes to achieve their aims. Political parties use only constitutional means to achieve their aims
Question 4.
Name any two sectional interest groups.
Answer:
Two sectional interest groups of India are Hind Mazdoor Sabha and Bengal Jute Mill Workers’ Union.
Question 5.
Differentiate between a sectional interest group and a public interest group.
Answer:
A sectional interest group seeks to promote the interest of a particular section or group of society. A public interest group promotes collective rather than selective good. Its aim is to help the society, other than their own members.
Question 6.
State the main aim of Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation.
Answer:
Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) is an organisation consisting of government employees and it campaigns against caste discrimination. The main aim of this organisation is social justice and social equality for all.
Question 7.
What are sectional interest groups? Describe their functioning.
Answer:
Section interest groups seek to promote the interests of a particular section or group of society, for example, trade unions, business associations and professional bodies of doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. They are sectional because they represent a section of society.
The following points show the functioning of sectional interest groups.
- They try to get public support and sympathy for their goals and activities by carrying out information campaigns, organising meetings and filing petitions.
- They try to influence the media into giving more attention to their views.
- They organise protest activities like strikes and disrupt government programme.
Question 8.
What are public interest pressure groups? Describe their functioning.
Answer:
Public interest pressure groups, also called promotional groups, promote collective rather than selective good. Sometimes these groups undertake activities that benefit them as well as others. For example, BAMCEF (Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation) comprises government employees, who campaign against caste discrimination. However, their main concern is social equality.
The following points show the functioning of public interest groups.
- They try to get public support and sympathy for their goals and activities by carrying out information campaigns, organising meetings and filing petitions.
- They try to influence the media into giving more attention to their views.
- They organise protest activities like strikes and disrupt government programme.
Question 9.
Who led the protest against water privatiQuestionation in Bolivia? Describe the ways of protest adopted by that organization.
Answer:
The protest against water privatiQuestionation in Bolivia was not led by any political party. It was led by an organisation called FEDECOR.
The following were the ways of protest adopted by FEDECOR.
- Spontaneous mass participation. It comprised local professionals, engineers, environmentalists, a federation of farmers, the confederation of factory workers’ union, middle-class students from the University of Cochabamba and homeless street children.
- Strikes: People restored to massive strike protests even after brutal repression and imposing of martial law.
Question 10.
‘Pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics in different ways.’ Support the statement with examples.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
Question 11.
Describe the popular struggle of Bolivia.
Answer:
The following points describe the popular struggle of Bolivia.
- Bolivia is a poor country in South (Latin) America. The World Bank pressurised the government to give up its control of municipal water supply.
- The government sold these rights for the city of Cochabamba to a multinational company (MNC) which immediately increased the price of water four times.
- It resulted in spontaneous protest by the people against the privatisation of water. In January 2000, a new alliance of labour, human rights and community leaders organised a successful four-day general strike in the city. The government promised to negotiate but nothing happened.
- Another round of strike took place in February. Police resorted to brutal repression. Again in April strike took place and the government imposed martial law.
- This could not end people’s aspirations. The power of people forced the officials of the MNC to flee the city. The contract with the MNC was cancelled and water supply was restored to the municipality at old rates. This came to be known as Bolivia’s water war.
Question 12.
Examine the role of pressure groups and movements in deepening democracy.
Answer:
Pressure groups and movements have helped in deepening democracy in the following ways.
- Pressure groups and movements have strengthened democracy. It is an important activity to put pressure on the government. However, everyone should get this opportunity.
- Governments are often influenced by a small group of rich and influential people. Pressure groups and movements counter-attack this undue influence by reminding the government of the needs of ordinary citiQuestionen.
- When different groups function actively, no group can occupy a dominant position. It keeps power under check.
- If one group puts pressure on the government to make policies in its favour, another group brings counterpressure not to make policies in the way the first group desires.
- The government comes to know what the different sections want. The government can then take decisions, keeping the demands of different sections in view. This way, pressure groups and movements play an important role in providing rough balance of power and accommodation of conflicting interests.
2015
Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]
Question 13.
Who dissolved the popularly elected parliament in February 2005, in Nepal?
Answer:
King Gyanendra dissolved the popularly elected parliament in February 2005 in Nepal.
Question 14.
What was the main role of FEDECOR organisation in Bolivia?
Answer:
FEDECOR is an organisation comprising local professionals, including engineers and environmentalists. The main aim of this organisation was to protest against water privatisation in Bolivia.
Question 15.
What was the main aim of the popular movement of April 2006, in Nepal?
Answer:
The main aim of the popular movement of April 2006 in Nepal was the restoration of democracy and regaining popular control over the government from the king. Popular Struggles and Movements 237
Question 16.
Who formed a Seven Party Alliance (SPA) in Nepal?
Answer:
The Seven Party Alliance (SPA) in Nepal was formed by all the major political parties that had some members in the parliament.
Short Answer Type Questions 13 Marks]
Question 17.
‘The struggle of the Nepali people is a source of inspiration to democrats all over the world.’ Support the statement.
Answer:
The struggle of the Nepali people is a source of inspiration to democrats all over the world. The following points support the statement.
- Democrats all over the world learnt the lesson that the defining movements of democracy usually involve conflict between those exercising power and those, who want a share in power.
- The struggle also proved that a conflict can be resolved though mass mobilisation. Sometimes, when the existing institutions like the parliament and the judiciary are not able to solve a conflict, and when the conflict involves these existing institutions, the resolution has to come from outside, from the people.
- The struggle of Nepal showed the way to new political organisations. It showed that spontaneous public participation becomes effective with the help of the agencies of organised politics like political parties, pressure groups and movements.
- Above all, the Nepal struggle also inspired the democrats that the democracy ‘ evolves through popular struggles.
- It inspired the democrats all over the world that what a small country can do, others can also do. It requires determined efforts to be successful. The demands, which are legitimate, have to be accepted.
- They learnt that struggles are essential to save democracy.
Question 18.
Describe any three features of sectional interest groups.
Answer:
The following are the features of sectional interest groups.
- They are sectional because they represent a section of society.
- They seek to promote the interest of a particular section or group of society.
- Their principal concern is betterment and well-being of their members.
Question 19.
Describe any three major political demands put forward by the Seven Party Alliance in Nepal.
Answer:
The Seven Party Alliance in Nepal put forward the following three demands.
- Restoration of parliament
- Power to an all-party government
- Constitution of a new constituent assembly
Question 20.
How do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics? Explain with examples.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
Question 21.
‘The democracy has been evolved through struggles and movements all over the world.’ Support the statement with examples.
Answer:
The democracy has been evolved through struggles and movements all over the world. The statement can be supported giving the following examples.
- Popular movements deepen democracy. They ensure greater participation of people through meetings and processions, making people more aware and vigilant.
- They help in the due representation and accommodation of diverse interests.
- They put pressure on the government making it more accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.
- The examples of Nepal and Bolivia show the power of the common people. They involved mass mobilisation, public demonstrations, agitation, etc. It shows that people from different walks of life can form an organisation and base their struggle for fairness.
- Through movements, democracy has been able to reconcile differences and resolve conflicting interests.
Question 22.
‘The popular struggles are integral to the development of democracy.’ Analyse the statement.
Answer:
The popular struggles are integral to the development of democracy. This statement can be analysed giving the following arguments.
- Struggles are essential to save democracy, for example, Nepal’s struggle for restoration of democracy and Bolivia’s water war against privatisation.
- It is only through struggles that diverse groups can express their feelings.
- If people disagree with government policies, they can oppose through struggle to achieve their goals.
- Struggles keep democracy in working mode. Governments are bound to make people-friendly and welfare policies.
- Struggles keep the government in check. They put pressure on the government making it more accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.
2014
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]
Question 23.
How are popular struggles integral to the working of democracy? Explain with an example of Bolivia’s struggle against privatisation of water.
Answer:
Popular struggles do not end with the establishment of democracy, they are an integral part of a democracy because democracy evolves through popular struggles. Popular struggles keep the democracy working. The struggle in Bolivia justifies the statement. In Bolivia, the democratically-elected government undermined the welfare of the people by handing over the water supply right to an MNC. People resorted to protest. This was necessary to save democracy as it is the duty of the government to provide minimum basic necessities to its citizens. It is only in democracy that people can express their opinions. If people do not agree with government policies, they have the right to oppose them with all their might and constant struggle to achieve their good. Such struggles provide chances to democracy to mend its ways in the favour of its citizens.
Question 24.
What inspiration do we get from Bolivia’s popular struggle? Explain any three values that we can learn from it.
Answer:
The struggle in Bolivia was about one specific policy, i.e. against privatiQuestionation of water supply. The story of Bolivia reminds us that popular struggle are an integral part of the working of democracy and the participation of people does not end with the establishment of a democratic state.
The three values that we can learn from Bolivia’s popular struggle are as follows.
- Determination: Even after being brutally treated by the police, the people in Bolivia did not stop their struggle. Their determination and power forced the MNC to flee the city.
- Cooperation and support: The protest against water privatisation was led by . an organisation, called FEDECOR, which comprised local professionals
engineers, environmentalists, factory workers’ union, students and homeless street children. This shows that with cooperation and support of each other, goals can be achieved. - Perseverance and steadfastness: People had the courage to defy their own government and the MNC, and water supply was restored to the municipality at old rates.
Question 25.
What are pressure groups? How are they formed? Explain.
Answer:
Pressure groups are organizations which attempt to influence government policies.
Pressure groups are of two types: sectional and public/promotional. Pressure groups pressuriQuestione the government to listen to their demands. They use agitational politics like strikes, demonstrations, meetings, information campaigns and filing of petitions. These groups make the government more accountable and responsive.
Formation of pressure groups:
- Pressure groups are formed when people with common occupation, interest, aspirations or opinions come together in order to achieve a common objective.
- Sometimes pressure groups are formed or led by the leaders of political parties or they act as part of political parties.
Question 26.
How has the struggle of the Nepali people become a source of Inspiration to democrats all over the world? Explain.
Answer:
The struggle of the Nepali people is a source of inspiration to democrats all over the world. The following points support the statement.
- Democrats all over the world learnt the lesson that the defining movements of democracy usually involve conflict between those exercising power and those, who want a share in power.
- The struggle also proved that a conflict can be resolved though mass mobilisation. Sometimes, when the existing institutions like the parliament and the judiciary are not able to solve a conflict, and when the conflict involves these existing institutions, the resolution has to come from outside, from the people.
- The struggle of Nepal showed the way to new political organisations. It showed that spontaneous public participation becomes effective with the help of the agencies of organised politics like political parties, pressure groups and movements.
- Above all, the Nepal struggle also inspired the democrats that the democracy ‘ evolves through popular struggles.
- It inspired the democrats all over the world that what a small country can do, others can also do. It requires determined efforts to be successful. The demands, which are legitimate, have to be accepted.
- They learnt that struggles are essential to save democracy.
Question 27.
How do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics? Explain any five ways.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
Question 28.
Compare the popular struggles of Nepal and Bolivia.
Answer:
Dissimilarities between the movement in Nepal and the struggle in Bolivia:
- The movement in Nepal was to establish democracy, while the struggle in Bolivia involved claims on an elected, democratic government.
- The movement in Nepal was about the fundamental change in the form of government. It was a transition from monarchy to democracy. The popular struggle in Bolivia was about one specific issue, i.e. against the privatisation of water supply by an MNC.
- In Nepal, the struggle was led by Seven Party Alliance (SPA) supported by Maoists and others. In Bolivia, the protest was led by an organisation called FEDECOR, which was not a political party.
Similarities between the movement in Nepal and struggle in Bolivia: - Both in Nepal and Bolivia, political conflict led to popular struggles and involved mass mobilisation.
- Both the struggles were successful.
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]
Question 29.
What are pressure groups? How are they different from political parties? Explain.
Answer:
Pressure groups are organizations that attempt to influence government policies. But unlike political parties, pressure groups do not aim to directly control or share political power. These organisations are formed when people with common occupation, interest or opinions come together.
A pressure groups differs from a political party in the following ways.
Question 30.
Explain with examples how movements are different from interest groups.
Answer:
The following are the differences between interest groups and movements.
Question 31.
Distinguish between sectional interest groups and public interest groups with examples.
Answer:
The following table shows the differences between sectional interest groups and public interest groups.
Question 32.
How did the struggle of Nepali people become a source of inspiration to democrats all over the world? Explain.
Answer:
The struggle of the Nepali people is a source of inspiration to democrats all over the world. The following points support the statement.
- Democrats all over the world learnt the lesson that the defining movements of democracy usually involve conflict between those exercising power and those, who want a share in power.
- The struggle also proved that a conflict can be resolved though mass mobilisation. Sometimes, when the existing institutions like the parliament and the judiciary are not able to solve a conflict, and when the conflict involves these existing institutions, the resolution has to come from outside, from the people.
- The struggle of Nepal showed the way to new political organisations. It showed that spontaneous public participation becomes effective with the help of the agencies of organised politics like political parties, pressure groups and movements.
- Above all, the Nepal struggle also inspired the democrats that the democracy ‘ evolves through popular struggles.
- It inspired the democrats all over the world that what a small country can do, others can also do. It requires determined efforts to be successful. The demands, which are legitimate, have to be accepted.
- They learnt that struggles are essential to save democracy.
Question 33.
Compare the struggle of Nepal with that of Bolivia.
Answer:
Pressure groups are organizations which attempt to influence government policies.
Pressure groups are of two types: sectional and public/promotional. Pressure groups pressuriQuestione the government to listen to their demands. They use agitational politics like strikes, demonstrations, meetings, information campaigns and filing of petitions. These groups make the government more accountable and responsive.
Formation of pressure groups:
- Pressure groups are formed when people with common occupation, interest, aspirations or opinions come together in order to achieve a common objective.
- Sometimes pressure groups are formed or led by the leaders of political parties or they act as part of political parties.
Question 34.
How do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics? Explain any five points in this regard.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
2012
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]
Question 35.
Describe the movement for democracy in Nepal, April 2006.
Answer:
Pressure groups and movements have helped in deepening of democracy in the following ways.
- Where different groups function actively, no single group can achieve dominance over the society. If one group puts pressure on the government to make
policies in its favour, another will put counter pressure not to make policies in the way the first group desires. This leads to a rough balance of power and accommodation of conflicting interests. - While working for the interests of their sections, pressure groups and movement groups also inspire others to put forward their demands. Putting pressure on the rulers is not an unhealthy activity in a democracy as long as everyone gets this opportunity.
- Public interest groups and movements perform a useful role of countering the undue influence of rich and powerful and reminding the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.
Question 36.
Describe the popular struggle against privatisation of water in Bolivia.
Answer:
The following points describe the popular struggle of Bolivia.
- Bolivia is a poor country in South (Latin) America. The World Bank pressurised the government to give up its control of municipal water supply.
- The government sold these rights for the city of Cochabamba to a multinational company (MNC) which immediately increased the price of water four times.
- It resulted in spontaneous protest by the people against the privatisation of water. In January 2000, a new alliance of labour, human rights and community leaders organised a successful four-day general strike in the city. The government promised to negotiate but nothing happened.
- Another round of strike took place in February. Police resorted to brutal repression. Again in April strike took place and the government imposed martial law.
- This could not end people’s aspirations. The power of people forced the officials of the MNC to flee the city. The contract with the MNC was cancelled and water supply was restored to the municipality at old rates. This came to be known as Bolivia’s water war.
Question 37.
Mention any three similarities between struggles of Nepal and Bolivia.
Answer:
The following are the three similarities between the struggles of Nepal and Bolivia.
- Both Nepal and Bolivia had political conflicts which involved mass uprisings and popular struggles.
- Strikes, public demonstrations and mass mobilisation marked both the struggles.
- Political orgainsations played a critical role in both the struggles.
Question 38.
Describe the ‘second popular movement for democracy’ of Nepal.
Answer:
Pressure groups and movements have helped in deepening of democracy in the following ways.
- Where different groups function actively, no single group can achieve dominance over the society. If one group puts pressure on the government to make
policies in its favour, another will put counter pressure not to make policies in the way the first group desires. This leads to a rough balance of power and accommodation of conflicting interests. - While working for the interests of their sections, pressure groups and movement groups also inspire others to put forward their demands. Putting pressure on the rulers is not an unhealthy activity in a democracy as long as everyone gets this opportunity.
- Public interest groups and movements perform a useful role of countering the undue influence of rich and powerful and reminding the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.
Question 39.
How do pressure groups and movements exert pressure on politics? Explain with an example.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
Long Answer Type Question [4/5 Marks]
Question 40.
‘Pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics in a variety of ways.’ Explain any four ways.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]
Question 41.
Explain any three ways under which pressure groups exert influence on politics.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
Question 42.
Explain how the relationship between political parties and pressure groups can take different forms.
Answer:
The relationship between political parties and pressure groups can take the following forms.
- Pressure groups are often formed or led by political parties. For examples, most of the students’ unions and trade unions are established by or are affiliated to one or other political party.
- It is evident that political parties sometimes grow out of movements. For example, AIADMK, AGP, etc.
- The issues raised by the pressure groups are taken by the political parties, thus, changing the policies of the parties.
- Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure groups.
Question 43.
Explain with examples the two types of political movements.
Answer:
The following are the two types of political movements.
- Issue-specific movements: These movements seek to achieve a single objective within a limited time frame. These movements tend to have a clear leadership and some organisation. Their active life is short. For example, Narmada Bachao Andolan.
- General/Generic movements. These movements seek to achieve a broad goal in the very long term. These involve more than one issue. No single organisation controls or guides them. They have independent leadership. For example, women’s movements.
Question 44.
Explain any three different ways in which pressure groups can influence politics.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
Question 45.
How have pressure groups and movements helped to deepen democracy? Explain.
Answer:
Pressure groups and movements have helped in deepening of democracy in the following ways.
- Where different groups function actively, no single group can achieve dominance over the society. If one group puts pressure on the government to make
policies in its favour, another will put counter pressure not to make policies in the way the first group desires. This leads to a rough balance of power and accommodation of conflicting interests. - While working for the interests of their sections, pressure groups and movement groups also inspire others to put forward their demands. Putting pressure on the rulers is not an unhealthy activity in a democracy as long as everyone gets this opportunity.
- Public interest groups and movements perform a useful role of countering the undue influence of rich and powerful and reminding the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.
Long Answer Type Questions [4/5 Marks]
Question 46.
Describe the movement for democracy in Nepal.
Answer:
The following points describe the movement for. democracy in Nepal.
- The movement in Nepal took place in April 2006. The movement was aimed at restoring democracy. King Birendra, who had accepted the constitutional monarchy was killed in the mysterious massacre of the royal family in 2001.
- King Birendra, the new king, was not prepared to accept democratic rule. He dismissed the Prime Minister and dissolved the parliament.
- All the major parties formed the SPA and called for a four-day strike in Kathmandu. Maoists and many other organisations joined and the strike turned into an indefinite strike with around five lakh protestors.
- The king was forced to concede to their demands. The three demands were the restoration of parliament, power to an all-party government and formation of a new constitution assembly. Girija Prasad Koirala was chosen the new Prime Minister.
- Most of the powers of the king were taken away. The SPA and the Maoists agreed about the new constituent assembly and how to elect it.
Question 47.
The movement in Nepal and the struggle in Bolivia have some elements relevant to the study of democracy. Explain these elements.
Answer:
The movement in Nepal and the struggle in Bolivia have some elements relevant to the study of democracy.
- Democracy evolves through popular struggles: It is possible that some significant decision may take place through consensus and may not involve any conflict at all. But it would be an exception. Democracy usually involves conflicts between those groups who have power and those who want to acquire power.
- Democratic conflict is resolved through mass mobilisation: Sometimes conflicts are possibly resolved using existing institutions like the parliament or the judiciary. But when the dispute is deep, involving these institutions, it is the people who come up with a resolution.
- These conflicts and mobilisation are based on new political organisations: Spontaneous public participation becomes effective with the help of organised politics. Political parties, pressure groups and movements groups are the examples of organised politics.
Question 48.
Differentiate between sectional interest groups and public interest groups with examples.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
Question 49.
‘Popular struggles do not end with the establishment of democracy, they are an integral part of the working of a democracy.’ Explain this statement with reference to the struggle in Bolivia.
Answer:
Popular struggles do not end with the establishment of democracy, they are an integral part of a democracy because democracy evolves through popular struggles. Popular struggles keep the democracy working. The struggle in Bolivia justifies the statement. In Bolivia, the democratically-elected government undermined the welfare of the people by handing over the water supply right to an MNC. People resorted to protest. This was necessary to save democracy as it is the duty of the government to provide minimum basic necessities to its citizens. It is only in democracy that people can express their opinions. If people do not agree with government policies, they have the right to oppose them with all their might and constant struggle to achieve their good. Such struggles provide chances to democracy to mend its ways in the favour of its citizens.
Question 50.
How have pressure groups and movements helped to deepen democracy? Explain.
Answer:
Pressure groups and movements have helped in deepening of democracy in the following ways.
- Where different groups function actively, no single group can achieve dominance over the society. If one group puts pressure on the government to make
policies in its favour, another will put counter pressure not to make policies in the way the first group desires. This leads to a rough balance of power and accommodation of conflicting interests. - While working for the interests of their sections, pressure groups and movement groups also inspire others to put forward their demands. Putting pressure on the rulers is not an unhealthy activity in a democracy as long as everyone gets this opportunity.
- Public interest groups and movements perform a useful role of countering the undue influence of rich and powerful and reminding the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.
2010
Long Answer Type Questions [4/5 Marks]
Question 51.
Explain two features each of sectional interest groups and public interest groups.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics as well as democracy in a variety of ways.
- By gaining public support and sympathy: Usually, pressure groups follow information campaigns, organise meetings, file petitions, etc. in order to gain public support and sympathy to achieve their goals. Sometimes, they try to use media for giving more attention to their issues.
- By playing the role of invisible and unofficial government: Pressure groups are part of a political process. They protect the collective interests of their members and try to influence those in power like ministers, bureaucrats and politicians, forcing them to change the direction of policy and not to capture power.
- By forming linkage between masses and the elite: Pressure groups articulate the claims of their members. They are a form of linkage and means of communication between the masses and the elite. Pressure groups provide a scope for expanding participation and thus become the barometers of political climate.
- By organising protest activities: Most of the time, pressure groups protest in the form of strikes, hartals, bandhs in order to disrupt government programmes and meet their demands. These techniques are used by the employees associations, trade unions, students unions and workers organisations.
- By forming political parties and providing leadership: In some cases, pressure groups lead to the formation of political parties. For example, the formation of Asom Gana Parishad out of the Assam Movement. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from pressure or movement groups.
Question 52.
Describe in brief any four features of the movement for democracy in Nepal.
Answer:
Pressure groups and movements have helped in deepening of democracy in the following ways.
- Where different groups function actively, no single group can achieve dominance over the society. If one group puts pressure on the government to make
policies in its favour, another will put counter pressure not to make policies in the way the first group desires. This leads to a rough balance of power and accommodation of conflicting interests. - While working for the interests of their sections, pressure groups and movement groups also inspire others to put forward their demands. Putting pressure on the rulers is not an unhealthy activity in a democracy as long as everyone gets this opportunity.
- Public interest groups and movements perform a useful role of countering the undue influence of rich and powerful and reminding the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.
Question 53.
Explain any two similarities and two dissimilarities of popular struggles in Nepal and Bolivia.
Answer:
Pressure groups are organizations which attempt to influence government policies.
Pressure groups are of two types: sectional and public/promotional. Pressure groups pressuriQuestione the government to listen to their demands. They use agitational politics like strikes, demonstrations, meetings, information campaigns and filing of petitions. These groups make the government more accountable and responsive.
Formation of pressure groups:
- Pressure groups are formed when people with common occupation, interest, aspirations or opinions come together in order to achieve a common objective.
- Sometimes pressure groups are formed or led by the leaders of political parties or they act as part of political parties.