Political organisations which seek to achieve power but are denied th…

Political organisations which seek to achieve power but are denied the opportunity to do so through standard means are best regarded as which of the following?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Movements

Option (1) Movements — Correct. Political organisations that seek power but are denied the chance through standard means are best regarded as movements. They stay movements until they achieve recognition.

Option (2) Pressure groups — Incorrect. Pressure groups are formed when groups feel their interests are not being taken up. They lobby with the government and do not seek power themselves.

Option (3) Interest groups — Incorrect. Interest groups pursue specific interests in the political arena. They work mainly by lobbying the members of legislative bodies.

Option (4) Alternative parties — Incorrect. An alternative party is a new party formed by groups whose interests are ignored. As a party it seeks power through the electoral process, which is a standard means.

NCERT (2026-27): “3.2 Political Parties, Pressure and Interest Groups in Democratic Politics …
In a democratic form of government political parties are key actors. A political party may be defined as an organisation oriented towards achieving legitimate control of government through an electoral process. Political Party is an organisation established with the aim of achieving governmental power and using that power to pursue a specific programme. Political parties are based on certain understanding of society and how it ought to be. In a democratic system the interests of different groups are also represented by political parties, who take up their case. Different interest groups will work towards influencing political parties. When certain groups feel that their interests are not being taken up, they may move to form an alternative party. Or they form pressure groups who lobby with the government. Interest Groups are organised to pursue specific interests in the political arena, operating primarily by lobbying the members of legislative bodies. In some situations, there may be political organisations which seek to achieve power but are denied the opportunity to do so through standard means. These organisations are best regarded as movements until they achieve recognition.”