CBSE Class 10 Political Science Notes Chapter 5 Popular Struggles and Movements
Chapter 5 - Popular Struggles and Movements
In the previous chapter, we learned why power sharing is important in a democratic society and how power is distributed between different levels of government and different social groups. In this chapter, you will learn how leaders in power can balance the conflicting demands and pressures that exist in democracies. This chapter deals with indirect ways of influencing politics, mainly through pressure groups and movements. Here we have collected all important topics in the form of Vidyakul CBSE Notes Class 10 Political Science Chapter 5 - Popular Struggle and Movements. You can also download these PDF notes from the link below to read them offline.
People's Struggles in Nepal and Bolivia
Year 9 In Political Science Chapter 1, you studied the history of the victory of democracy in Poland. History reminds us of the role of the people in transforming Poland into a democracy. There are two more stories to learn about how power is exercised in a democracy.
Democratization Movement in Nepal In April 2006, a popular movement arose in Nepal to restore popular control over the government from the king. All major parties in Congress formed the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and called for a four-day strike in Kathmandu. they demanded;
Parliament restored
powers vested in the former government. In 2008, the monarchy was abolished and Nepal became the Federal Democratic Republic. A new constitution was adopted in 2015. The struggle of the people of Nepal is a source of inspiration for democrats around the world.
Bolivia's Democratic Politics Water War
The successful struggle of those against the privatization of water in Bolivia shows that the struggle is necessary for democracy to function.
Democracy and People's Struggle
The histories of Nepal and Bolivia were different. Nepal's movement was for the establishment of democracy, while Bolivia's struggle included a claim for an elected democratic government. Both of these struggles show their impact on different levels. Despite these differences, the political organization played a decisive role in both cases.
Here are some points that show how democracy has developed around the world.
Democracy develops through popular struggle
The histories of Nepal and Bolivia are different. Nepal's movement aimed at establishing democracy, while Bolivia's struggle included a claim for an elected democratic government. Both of these struggles show their impact on different levels. Despite these differences, the political organization played a decisive role in both cases.
Here are a few highlights of how democracy has developed around the world.
The democratization conflict is resolved through mass mobilization. Sometimes conflicts are resolved through established institutions such as Congress or the Judiciary. Conflict and mobilization are based on new political organizations, including political parties, pressure groups, and movements.
Mobilization and Organization
Behind every great struggle in a democracy are various forms of organization. Direct participation in competition policy is carried out through the creation of political parties, participation in elections, and the formation of governments. But each citizen does not participate so directly except through voting.
There are many indirect ways that people can make their government listen to their needs or views. It is done by creating organizations and doing activities to promote people's interests or perspectives. These groups are known as "interest groups or pressure groups".
Pressure Groups and Movements
pressure groups are organizations that seek to influence government policy. These organizations form when people with common pursuits, interests, aspirations, or opinions come together to achieve a common goal.
This movement seeks to influence politics rather than directly participate in election campaigns. This is a small organization that relies on voluntary public participation from people who are not interest groups.
Examples: Narmada Bachao Andolan, right to know movement, anti-alcohol movement, women's movement, the environmental movement.
Sectional Interest Groups and Public Interest Groups
Sectional Interest Groups | Public Interest Groups |
They aim to promote the interests of a particular section or group of society. | They aim to help groups other than their own members. |
They represent a section of society. Eg: Trade unions, business associations, and professionals (lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc.) | They are also called promotional groups. |
Their principal concern is the betterment and well-being of their members, not society in general. | They aim to help groups other than their own members. |
The members of the organization may not benefit from the cause that the organization represents. Eg: the Bolivian organization, FEDECOR. | In some instances, the members of a public interest group may undertake activity that benefits them as well as others too. Eg: BAMCEF (Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation) |
Is the influence of pressure and exercise groups healthy?pressure groups and movements strengthened democracy. Governments can often come under undue pressure from a small number of wealthy and powerful people. Public interest groups and movements do a useful job of counteracting these undue influences and reminding governments of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens. Individual interest groups also play a role where different groups are active, and no single group can dominate society. So the government knows what the different segments of the population want.
Frequently asked Questions on CBSE Class 10
What is ‘Mass mobilization’?
Mass mobilization is a method through which a centralized political organization attempts to implement widespread changes in society.
What is a ‘Pressure Group’?
A pressure group is an organization that seeks to influence elected officials to take action or make a change on a specific issue.
What is ‘FEDECOR’?FEDECOR stands for ‘Feracion Departamental Cochabambina de Regantes’. It is a federation of farmers who protested against water privatization in Bolivia.
