1. Political Parties & Interest Groups

2. Interest Groups Any collection of people trying to influence government are called interest groups. Definition:- “A shared-attitude group that makes certain claims upon other groups by acting through institutions of government.”

3. Some groups Focus on influencing a particular policy Some groups focus on Broad changes Some groups work with the executive agencies Some groups work with the judiciary “ But all are non publicly accountable organizations that attempts to promote shared private interests by influencing public-policy outcomes”.

4. How Interest Groups Differ From Political Parties Both try to influence public policy. 1.But interest groups:- Do this outside the electoral process Not responsible to the public. 2.A party must win elections – candidates run under the party banner. While interest groups may influence the nomination of candidates who are sympathetic with their cause.

5. How Interest Groups Differ From Political Parties Political Parties 1.GOALS:- try to acquire power through elections. 2.NATURE OF MEMBERSHIP:- seek broad support to win elections. 3.NUMBER:- limited number (length of ballot), does not exceed 10 or 12. Interest Groups 1.Focus on specific programs or issues. 2.Interest groups generally have narrower membership, share working conditions or cultural background 3.Unlimited number

6. Political Parties Definition:- A political party is a group of people seeking to elect office-holders under a given label. Parties perform several important functions that help hold the political system together and keep it working.

7. Functions of Political Parties 1.A bridge between people & government:- political parties are a major inputting device. Without parties citizens would be ignored by government. Parties make people feel that they are not powerless, thus helps maintain government legitimacy. That’s why dictatorships have parties.

8. 2.Aggregation of interests:- which is pulling together separate demand of different interest groups into a larger organization. 3.Integration into the political system:- as aggregation of interest groups goes on parties pull new groups into the political system.

9. 4.Political socialization:- they teach their members how to play the political game. Parties introduce citizens to candidates, elected officials, show members how to speak in public, how to conduct meetings, etc.. Thus parties are training grounds for leaders.

10. 5.Mobilization of voters:- parties get out the vote by campaigning for their candidates. whipping up interest and boosting turnout. 6.Organization of government:- this function is for the winners. The winning party in the elections gets to form government. Gets government jobs and power and tries to shift policy it’s way.

11. Party systems Classification of Party systems Multi Party system Sweden Two Party system U.S.A. & U.K Dominant Party system Egypt One Party system china