CLASS WORK -6

Class X-D&XH                                   BIOLOGY

31/01/2014

Evolution and Classification – Classification refers to the arrangement of organisms into groups on the basis of similarities/dissimilarities and placing them in a hierarchy that reveals their relationship similarities or dissimilarities are determined on the basis of presence or absence of characteristics in the organisms

Characteristics of organisms refer to details of external and internal appearance or behavior that distinguish them from one e.g. Plants can performs photosynthesis. Some basic characteristics are shared by large number of organisms. More characteristics two species have in common more closely they are related. If they are more closely related they will have had a common ancestor (explain the example of brother sister and cousins)

Conclusion- Classification of species is a reflection of their evolutionary relationship

Evolutionary relationships can be traced with the help of following –

1- Morphological and Anatomical Evidences – There evidences are based on the similarities in the external and internal features of the different kinds of organisms

a) Homologous organs – The organs which have similar basic structure and mode of origin but perform different functions in different animals are called homologous organs, e.g. forelimbs of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The basic structure limbs is similar though it has been modified to perform different functions in various vertebrates. Homologous organs give an evidence of common ancestory and evolutionary relationship between apparently different species.

Analogous organs – Analogous organs are those structures, which are different in their basic structure development and origin but appear similar and perform similar function Example of analogous organs wings of bird and bat. Wings of bats are skin folds stretched mainly between elongated fingers. But the wings of birds are a feathery covering all along the arm. The designs of the two wings, their structure and components, are thus very different. They look similar because they have a common use for flying but their origins are not common.

2. Fossils – They are impression of the body / body parts or the remains of organisms living in the past, which got preserved in sediments of earth. When living organisms die their bodies decompose but some parts of their bodies may be in such an environment that they do not decompose e.g. if a dead insect gets caught in hot mud it will not decompose quickly but the mud will harden and retain impressions of the body parts of the insects.

The age of fossil can be estimated in two ways.

-    The fossils that occur closer to earth surface are more recent to those found in deeper layers.

-    The second method is isotope dating i.e. detecting the ratio of different isotopes of the same element in the fossil material.

Importance of fossils – Fossils provide one of the most acceptable evidences in support of evolution, because we can study the evolutionary past or individuals in the form of their fossils. By studying fossils occurring in different strata of rocks, geologists are able to reconstruct the time course of evolutionary events. Complete fossil record of animals like horse, camel, man has helped us to study the stages of evolution.

3. Comparison of genetic material – DNA is the genetic material. It is a long molecules made up of smaller unit called nucleotides. Evolutionary relationships can also be worked out by comparing DNA of different species. During formation of new species from old one, DNA changes make the base of reproductive barrier. This barrier is created as the geographically isolated populations accumulate adaptations or inheritable traits with survival advantages in the form of differences in DNA sequences. Species which are closely related will have more common nucleotide sequences than those which are distantly related.  

Recapitulation Exercise

Q.1 Give an example of characteristics being used to determine how close two species are in evolutionary terms.

Q.2 Can the wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bat be considered homologous organs? Why or why not?

Q.3 What are fossils? What do they tell us about the process of evolution?

Q.4 Will two species considered close enough to be classified under on group if they have analogous organs? Give reasons.

Q.5 What are the evidences of organic evolution? List and explain any two.

Q.6 Explain the different ways to know the age of fossils.

28-1-2014                                            CLASS WORK -5

Class X-D&H                                        BIOLOGY

SPECIATION – Origin of new species from the existing one due to reproductive isolation of a part of its population is called speciation.

The factors that could lead to rise of a new species are:

Gene Flow – It means exchange of genetic material by interbreeding between populations of the same species or between individuals within a population. It increases the variation in the genetic composition of a population.

Genetic Drift – The elimination of the genes of certain traits from the small population when a section of the species population dies of natural calamity or migrate to other region is called genetic drift. It alters the gene frequency of the remaining population Genetic drift can lead to accumulation of changes in the generations. 

Natural Selection – According to Darwin natural selection also plays an important role in bringing about evolution of new species of plants and animals. According to him variations existed between the individuals of a population and some natural phenomena eliminated those individuals which were less adapted. The surviving population would pass the hereditary advantageous features to their offsprings. With time this process would give rise to organisms different from the original population and new species are formed

Reproductive Isolation – Genetic drift and natural selection make the geographically isolated sub-populations of species to become more and more different from each other. Ultimately reproductive isolation occurs between individuals of these two groups. As a result they are unable to reproduce even if they happen to meet somehow. These two groups then transform into new species. This can happen in a number of ways

1.     DNA changes are severe enough such as a change in the number of chromosomes eventually the germ cells of the two groups cannot fuse with each other.

2.     It prevents interbreeding of two groups due to differences in mating behavior. (A new variation emerges in which green females will not mate with red males but only with green males. This allows very strong natural selection for greenness. Now if such a green female beetle meets a red male from the other group her behavior will ensure that there is no reproduction between them. Effectively new species of beetles are being generated)                 Recapitulation Exercise

Q.1 What factors could lead to the rise of a new species?

Q.2 Will geographical isolation be a major factor in the speciation of a self pollinating plant species? Why or why not?

Q.3 Will geographical isolation be a major factor in the speciation of an organism that reproduces asexually? Why or why not?                                       SEEMA MISRA

Ch-6 pol science

Chapter 6: Political Parties

Q:1. What is political party?

Ans:1. A political party is an organised voluntary group of people who act as a political unit and hold similar views. They come together to contest elections and form the government, if they win. The members agree on a common programme ideology fundamental principles and general policy. The aim is to promote the collective good.

The three components of a political party are:

a) leaders            B) active members c) followers

Q:2. Stayed the various functions political parties perform in a democracy

      i.          Political parties contest elections the party candidates may be chosen either by members and supporters. E.g. in USA or by top party leaders. E.g. in India.

    ii.         Formulation of policies and programmes: these are put before voters as a manifesto. The reduced a vast multitude of opinions into a few basic opinions according to their beliefs. This sells the government to basics policies on the lines taken by the ruling party.

  iii.         Making laws (legislation) for the country: since most members of the legislature belong to a political party, they go by the direction of the party leaders in debating and passing laws.

   iv.         Parties form along governments: Parties take big policy decisions. They also provide training for ministers. That is the political executive.

     v.         Role of opposition parties: displayed by parties with secured less votes. They are different views and keep a check on the policy will workings of the ruling party. They act as a restraining force.

   vi.         Parties shape public opinion: they raise and highlight issues, Countrywide. They may launch movements and even mobilise pressure groups and support to solve problems.

 vii.         Parties act as the link between the people and the government. They provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes which are implemented by the government. At the same time they have to be responsive to the needs of the people and the parties to try to ensure this.

Q:3. Point out three ways by which political parties can shape public opinion.

Ans:3. i. They raise and highlight issues. Parties of lakhs of members and activists read all across the country.

ii. Many of the pressure groups and extensions of political parties among different sections of society.

iii. Party sometimes also launch movements for the resolution of problems faced by the people. Often opinions on the society crystallise on the lines parties take.

Q:4. What are the characteristics of a political party?

Ans:4. i. A certain organisation: the political parties and organised group of persons were expected to be aware of the role and responsibilities in the party. The party is a certain structure leaders, members and supporters.

ii. Common aims Unity of purpose: party members are required to hold common views on various issues. They adhere to a common ideology and objectives. Members of the party work in accordance with party goals and policies only.

iii. Parties uphold constitutional means: to capture political power would participate in elections and abide by the verdict of the votary in true democratic spirit.

iv. policy-making: a party adheres to its already declared policy if voted to power. They have to fulfil promises made to voters. The ruling parties must promote national interests.

v. Plays a role of watchdog as opposition: they act as a restraining force. The voice different opinions and keep a check on policies and working of the government, and raise opposition in case of a wrong policy decision.

Q:5. While modern democracies cannot exist without political parties?

Ans:5. i. In a party less democracy every candidate would be independent. The citizens would have to look into too many promises and manifestoes before an election, voters would therefore have to examine a multitude of opinions and get confused a few political parties can minimise such confusion and complications.

ii. A government formed by independent candidates would present a confused situation. Its stability would remain uncertain because several individual representatives would have several choices plans, policies, aims and programmes. It would therefore be difficult to coordinate and integrate programs and have major balance policies. Political parties are hence necessary as each party is a cohesive, organised group with a common policy of its own party discipline helps in the systematic working of the legislature. Parties bring representatives together to form responsible government.

iii. Without political parties, the Independent elected representatives would be accountable to the local voters for their work that member. The simmered in fresh thing of Patiala company is allocated the simmered in fresh thing of the Patiala is to their respective constituencies. They may fail to be responsible for the country runs. On the other hand, political parties can best represent the large-scale societies. The gathered different views and bring representatives together, support or restrain government, justify or oppose policies as a political group. They shoulder responsibility towards the country and fulfil the needs of the representative government.

Q:6. Name the three types of party systems of the world.

Ans:6. A party system is identified by the number of political parties in the country. The three systems are:

1. Single party or uni party system. E.g. in China (Communist party)

2. Bi party system (two parties) – USA (Democrats and Republicans) and UK (Conservative and Labour).

3. Multi-party systems – India (many).

Q:7. What are features of uni party system? Also write merits and demerits.

Ans:7. 1. FEATURES: i. There is only one mass political party which contests and runs the government. There is no power-sharing.

ii. This single party is a powerful party and exists by ideological reasons or coercion. E.g. the Chinese Communist Party, the German Nazi party. It suppresses other parties and may even be dominated by a popular leader.

iii. if people are free to form political parties in the country. This does not really happen because electoral system does not permit free competition for power.

2. MERITS: i. There is no political competition therefore government has greater stability.

ii. There is equal exchange of opinion with party members join discussions are taken by majority vote.

3. DEMERITS: i. The single party system is an undemocratic system because amounts to be dictatorship of one-party. Such a rule denies political rights and freedom to the people. Governments have complete monopoly over mass media.

ii. the single party in power can be coercive and may curtail dissent, the opposition severely. It can therefore create an atmosphere of fear, suspicion and dissatisfaction.

iii. the government’s new to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of all people. It may neglect minorities.

iv. if people are free to form political parties in the legal sense, this is not really happen because the electoral system does not permit free competition for power.

Q:8. What other features bi-arty system? Also write merits and demerits.

Ans:8. FEATURES: i. There are 2 political parties contesting for power. Government is formed by the party which wins the maximum votes. The other party sits in opposition as the political minority.

ii. There may be other minor parties as well which may win a few seats in the legislature, but these parties are not powerful enough to form the government.

2. MERITS: i. Stable government: is assured as the ruling party has a clear and absolute majority. It is therefore unlikely  that it would lose the confidence of the house.

ii. Constant Policies: The ruling party has a full term to formulate and implement its policies. It has enough time to fulfil the promises made to citizens at the time of election.

iii. Voters choice is simplified: as there are only two clear manifestoes. The voters are clear about which policy to expect of which party.

iv. Strong and effective opposition: as only one party has political minority and usually has many members.

3. DEMERITS: i. Voters choice is limited as they can only choose between two ideologies. If they don’t favour either, they have no other choice.

ii. Neglect of Minorities: Both parties may not adequately represent minority groups.

iii. Cabinet Dictatorship: is possible in a bi-party system because the ruling party enjoys an absolute majority and cannot be easily removed.

Q:9. What are the features of multi-party system?

Ans:9. i. Free competition between several parties: Were more than two parties competing for power. Several parties are represented in the legislature.

ii. Coalition governments are possible if no party has an absolute majority. In a joint government, parties may not be of equal strength. 

iii. System of Alliance and Fronts: Several parties may join hands to form an alliance to contest election and come to power. E.g. National Democratic Alliance, United Progressive Alliance, left front, etc.

Q:10. What are the merits and demerits of multi-party system?

Ans:10. MERITS: i. A democratic system, which allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation. Voters have a wider choice of parties and different manifestoes to choose from.

ii. More political opportunities – More parties can get an opportunity to do if they are part of a coalition. Many sections of society can form parties to represent their specific interests.

iii. There is an absence of Cabinet dictatorship: as a multitude of parties are represented in the legislatures.

DEMERITS: i. Weak and unstable governments: Political instability is due to selfish interests and political opportunism of too many parties. Sometimes a hung parliament makes it difficult to form a government. Since coalition government is based on compromise, it can collapse any time if a party withdraws support even on minor disagreements.

ii. Confused voters: Due to too many manifestoes and candidates, voters may find it difficult to decide whom to vote for.

iii. No actual accountability to voters by coalition government because the different parties must form the coalition blamed each other for lapses and insistent and incoherent policies.

Q:11. In which two kinds of political parties are present in a democratic federal system?

Ans:11. National Parties: are countrywide parties

i.               they are large, established parties and have their units in various states. These units follow the specific policies and ideologies of their party

ii.             These parties cover a large range of national issues.

iii.           The criteria laid down by the election commission to recognise a national party is that it should have secured at least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha election or assembly election in atleast four states of India and win at least four seats in Lok Sabha.

iv.            The EC allots the party symbol release parties

v.              e.g. IMC, BJP, BSP, CPI – M, CPI, NCP

Regional or State Parties: are region-based parties

i.               State or regional parties are also recognised by election commission if the party secured at least 6% of the total votes in an election to the legislative assembly of the state and should win at least two seats.

ii.             They have limited regional influence and deal mostly with regional issues but they need not be regional in their outlook and ideology.

iii.           In India, some of these parties are all India parties, which have succeeded only in some states, e.g., Samajwadi party, Samata party, Rashtriya Janata Dal.

iv.            Some regional parties are conscious about this state identity, e.g. Biju Janata Dal, Mizo National front, Sikkim Democratic Front, etc.

v.              Some regional parties are: Shrimonani Akali Dal(badal), AIADMK, DMK, RJD, Jammu and Kashmir National conference, TRS, etc.

Q:12. What are the various challenges faced by political parties?

Ans:12. i. Lack of internal democracy: power is concentrated in the hands of one or a few top party leaders. Parties do not keep membership register or hold for proper organised meetings and internal elections regularly. Members cannot influence decisions due to lack of information about party policy and matters. This is bad for the democracy.

ii. Dynastic succession: Established leaders are so powerful that they often favoured family and friends in controlling top positions. The persons merit, experience and popular support are not considered. In the absence of open and transparent policies, ordinary people find it difficult to rise to the top ranks in the party.

iii. Role of money and muscle power in Democratic politics: these shortcuts are used by political parties to win elections. They try to nominate those candidates who can raise a lot of money. Some rich people and companies also give funds and try to influence the policies and decisions. In some cases, parties support criminals who can win elections.

iv. Lack of meaningful choice to voters: most parties have little ideological differences. They tend to agree on more fundamental aspects, but differ only on detailed policy decisions and their implementations. The choice of different leaders is also limited because leaders keep defecting or shifting from one party to another.

Q:13. Suggest some reforms to strengthen political parties so that they perform their functions well.

Ans:13. A) Current Reforms:

i.               Constitutional Amendment and Anti-Defection Law has had to check the practice of defection. Defection means changing party allegiance from the parties from which the MP or MLA gets elected, and joining another party. This may be for selfish aspirations like cash rewards or becoming a minister. According to the law, members will lose seats in the legislature. Dissent has become even more difficult and MPs and MLAs have to accept the decisions of party leaders.

ii.             System of affidavit: in order to reduce the influence of money on criminals, the Supreme Court of India has made it mandatory for contesting candidates to file an affidavit, giving details of property as well as any criminal cases pending against him or her.

iii.           Order of election commission: the EC has passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold the organisational elections and file their income tax returns. However, sometimes this is considered just a formality may not mean real internal democracy.

B) Suggestive Reforms:

i.               Laws should be made to ensure internal democracy in political parties so that the register members, follow the Constitution, elect their leaders solve party disputes independently.

ii.             Another suggestion is to make it mandatory to reserve one third seats for women in election and have a quota of them in the decision-making bodies.

iii.           There should be also state funding of elections, e.g. in kind, like a true, paper, telephone, etc. all in cash, on the basis of votes secured by the party in the previous election.

iv.            Ordinary people can put pressure on political parties to petitions, publicity, agitations, pressure groups and movements to become more democratic.

v.              Political parties can improve it. Those want serious reforms join the political parties and directly participate in their functioning. Instead of criticising from the outside. So bad policies can be replaced by better politics.

JAN

16

Ch-5 pol science

Popular Struggles And Movements

Q.1 Nepal witnessed an extraordinary popular movement in April 2006. Explain.

Ans. Aim of the Nepalese movement- was representative democracy. People wanted to regain popular control over the government from the king, restoration of Parliament, powers for all party government and a new constituent assembly.

Political movement- The Nepalese struggle was a combined and determined effort of all major political parties, Seven party alliance (SPA), the communist party and many organizations like Labour unions and their federations, organizations of indigenous people like teachers, lawyers, human rights groups also supported the Movement.

Methods- While SPA called for an indefinite strike, the Maoists restored to insurgency or armed struggle as they did not believe in parliamentary democracy. Lakhs of people defied curfews and protested on streets. They finally gave an ultimatum to the King.

Outcome- a) initially the King announced some half- hearted concessions which were rejected.

b) Ultimately he was forced to concede all their three demands.

c) Parliament was formed. An interim government was formed headed by Girja Prasrd Koirala as PM.

d) Laws were passed to curb the powers of the King.

e) SPA and Maoists came to an understanding about the election of a new Constituent assembly.

Q. 2 Analyse the reasons and outcome of Bolivia’s water war.

Ans . Reasons-i) The world bank pressurized the bolivian government to give up its control of municipal water supply. The government sold these rights for the city of Cochabamba to a multi-national company.

ii) The company immediately increased the price of water by four times.

2. People successfully struggled against this privatization of water supply. The people led a popular struggle with the help of an alliance of labour, human rights and community leaders.

3. Despite brutal repression and martial law, there were strikes and protests. This was known as Bolivia’s war.

4. Outcome- ultimately the contract with the MNC was cancelled and water supply was restored to the Municipality at old rates. It reminds us that popular struggles are integral to democracy.

Q.3 In what context are the popular movements of Bolivia and Nepal similar?

Ans.1. both these stories share some elements which are relevant to the study of the past and future of democracies. Both these are instances of political conflict that led to popular struggles.

2. In both cases the struggle involved mass mobilization. Public demonstration of mass support clinched the dispute.

3. Finally, both instances involved critical role of political organizations.

Q.4 In what context are the popular movements of Bolivia and Nepal different?

Ans. 1.The movement in Nepal was to establish democracy while the struggle in Bolivia involved claims on elected democratic government.

2. The popular struggle in Bolivia was about 1 specific policy while the struggle in Nepal was a about the foundations of the country’s politics.

3. Both these struggles were successful  but their  impact was at different levels.

Q.5 What conclusions can be drawn about the evolution of democracy from the popular struggles of Bolivia and Nepal.

Ans.5   Democracy evolves through popular struggles. It is possible that some significant decisions may take place through consensus and may not involve any conflict at all. But that would be an exception.Defining moments of democracy usually involve conflict between those groups who have exercised power and those who aspire for a share in power. These moments come when the country is going through transition to democracy , expansion of democracy or deepening of democracy.

2. Democratic conflict is resolved through mass mobilization. Sometimes it is possible that the conflict is resolved by using the existing institutions like the parliament or the judiciary. But when there is a deep dispute , very often these institutions themselves got involved in the dispute. The resolution has come from outside, from the people.

3. These conflicts and mobilizations are based on new political organizations. True, there is an element of spontaneity in all such historic moments. But the spontaneous public participation becomes effective with the help of organized politics. There can be many agencies of organized politics. These include political parties , pressure groups and movement groups.

Question 6 In which to ways can organisations work behind any big struggle in a democracy?

Answer Direct ways

i) One way of influencing the decisions in a democracy direct education in competitive politics

ii) This is done by creating parties, contesting elections and forming governments

iii) But every citizen does not participate so directly. They may not have the desire, the need or the skills to take part in direct political activity other than voting.

Indirect ways

i) There are many indirect ways in which the people can get governments to listen to their demands or their points of view.

ii)  They could do so by forming an organisation and undertaking activities to promote their interests or their viewpoints

iii) These are called focal interest groups or pressure groups. Sometimes people decide to act together without forming organisations

Q:7. What are pressure groups?

Ans:7. 1. Pressure groups are organisations which may have a share in government power either through participation in government or by influencing the decision making process or government policies

2.They undertake activities to promote their interests and viewpoints. They are also known as interest groups

3.Unlike political parties that do not aim to directly control or share political power.

4. They are formed when people with common occupation, interest, aspirations and opinions come together in order to achieve a common objective.

5. Methods of pressure groups:-information campaigns, organising meetings, protest strikes, disruption of government programs, participation in official bodies and committees, filing petitions and influencing media attention to the issues.

6.In some cases pressure groups are either formed or led by leaders of political parties they may act as external arms of a political party. E.g. a creation of trade Unions and student unions to some political parties.

Q 8. What is peoples movement and how is it different from an interest group?

ANS. I. A people's movement has many forms of collective action, example women's movement, environmental movement, etc. They can have more than one issue only, many organisations and different views on policy related matters.

I I. It does not contest elections but attempts to influence politics like an interest group.

I II. Unlike an interest group movements have a loose organisation.

3. There are decision-making is more informal and flexible.

4. Unlike an interest group movement depends much more than spontaneous mass participation.

Some movements seek to achieve a single objective within a limited timeframe, while others are more general , or generic (that is related to an entire group). They seem to achieve a broad goal in a very long-term. E. G. Narmada Bachao Andolan.

5. Sometimes various movements can come under a loose umbrella organisation. E.g. N a PM National Alliance of People's movements.

Q 9. Distinguish between sectional interest groups and public interest groups.

ANS 1. Sectional Interest Groups 1., they usually the present and seek to promote the interests of a particular section or group of society.

2. , example, trade unions, professionals, business associations, etc. , or a particular religion or caste.

3. They do not represent society in general like a public interest group.

2. Public Interest Groups or Promotional Group:

i. They represent some common or general interests that need to be defended.

ii. members of the organisation may not benefit from the corners, but they promote the collective good. Sometimes they promote their own interests as well.

iii. . E.g. a group fighting bonded labour's practice, Bolivian organisation - FEDECOR

Q:10. In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?

Ans:10. i. They tried to gain public support and sympathy for the goals and their activities by carrying out information campaigns, organising meetings, filing petitions, etc. most of these groups try to influence the media into giving more attention to these issues.

ii. the often organised protest activities like strikes or disrupting government programs. Workers organisations, employers associations and most of the movement groups often resort to these tactics in order to force the government to take note of their demands.

iii. business groups often employ professional lobbyists or sponsor expensive advertisements. Some people from pressure groups of movement groups may participate in official bodies and committees that offer advice to the government.

By interest groups and movements do not directly engage in party politics, they seek to exert influence on political parties. Most of the movement groups state of political stance without being a party. They are political ideology and political positions on major issues. The relationship between political parties and pressure groups can take different forms, some direct and some very indirect.

iv. . In some instances, the pressure groups are either formed and led by the leaders of political parties as extended arms of political parties. For e.g. most trade unions and student organisations in India are either established by or affiliated to one or the other major political party. Most of the leaders of such pressure groups are usually activists and leaders of parties.

v. Sometimes political parties grew out of movements. E.g. when the activists movement led by students against the foreigners came to an end, it led to the formation of the Assam Gana Parishad. The roots of parties like the DMK and the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu can be traced to a long drawn social reform movement during the 1930s and 1940s.

vi. in most cases, the relationship between parties and interest of movement groups is not so direct. They often take positions that are opposed to each other. Yet they are in dialogue and negotiation. Movement groups have raised new issues that have been taken up by political parties. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from interest or movement groups.

Q:11. Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?

Ans:11. Direct ways i. Pressure groups sometimes formed by political parties sometimes also led by leaders of political parties, the act as extended arms of the political parties. E.g. some trade unions and student unions in India are affiliated to some major political parties.

ii. Political parties may grow or evolve from pressure groups and movements. E.g. Assam Gana Parishad grew out of a students movement against foreigners. Even DMK and the AIADMK grew from long drawn social reform movement.

Indirect Ways: i. In some instances, the relationship between the political parties in the movement or interest groups is indirect. They often take positions opposed to each other, but may maintain a dialogue and negotiations.

ii. Movement groups have often raise new issues that are being taken by political parties.

iii. . Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from interest or movement groups.

Q.12 Explain how the activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a democratic government.

Ans. 1. Negative influence of pressure groups on democracy

·          They promote the interest of one section while the interests of all must be looked after in a democracy.

·          They may wield power without responsibility.

·          They are not accountable to the people. While political parties have to face the people in elections.

·          They may not get their funds and support from the people.

·          Sometimes with small public support and plenty of finances , they may hijack public discussions in favour of their narrow agenda.

2. Positive influence of pressure groups on democracy

·      They have deepened democracy by putting pressure on the rulers.

·      They perform the useful role of countering undue influence of some rich and powerful people on government.

·      They remind the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.

·      interests. Different groups can exert pressure on the government to make some policies, i.e. there is a rough balance of power and accommodation of conflicting

Q.13 What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?

Ans. 1) While political parties directly engage in politics by contesting elections and holding power in governments , the pressure groups don’t aim at directly controlling political power.

2) A political is an organized political group with its own political ideology and vision. It represents various interests . It is a recognized part of the political system with a wider membership. The pressure groups may be organized or unorganized informal bodies. They are formed by people of a particular kind who may have common interests, occupations, aspirations, objectives and opinions and have come together to achieve their aims. They have a limited membership.

3) Political parties have a broad based programme which covers many aspects of regional and national life. Pressure groups concentrate on specific interests and work for the collective interest of their members only.

Q.14 Cite an example of a “single issue movement” in India.

Ans. Narmada Bachao Andoloan.

Q.15 What do the following stand for?

NAPM: National alliance for Peoples’ Movement.

FEDECOR: Federacion Departmental Cochabambina de Regantes

SPA: Seven Party Alliance.

BAMCEF: Backward and Minorities Community Employers Federation.

Q.16 Name 3 regional parties in India which trace their roots to social reform movements

Ans. Asom Gana Parishad, DMK, and AIADMK.

Q:17. Name some party extensions of political parties.

Ans:17: i. Congress – NSUI – National Students Union of India

ii. BJP – ABUP – Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad

iii. CPI(ML) – AISA – All India Students Association

iv. CPI – AISF – All India Students Federation

v. CPI – SFI – Students Federation of India

vi. TMC – TCP – Trinamool Chhatra Parishad

vii. TRS – TRVS – Telangana Rashtra Vidyarthi Samiti