Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

I partially agree with the student's argument. External pressure is indeed more accessible for ordinary citizens, but it is not equally effective as working from within.

Strengths of external pressure: Citizens, pressure groups, and media can use petitions, agitations, and publicity to push parties toward reform. If parties fear losing public support, they become more serious about change. This is practical since most citizens cannot join parties full-time.

Limitations: External pressure alone cannot bring structural change. Parties may ignore public opinion if all party leaders collectively resist reform.

Working from within: The textbook states that "the problem of bad politics can be solved by more and better politics." Internal participation improves party democracy directly, though ordinary members currently lack influence due to power concentration at the top.

Both approaches are complementary, not alternatives. Real reform requires both citizen pressure from outside and active participation from within.

Source: Chapter 4 – How can parties be reformed?

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• The examiner expects you to take a position and then qualify it using the textbook — not a one-sided answer.
• Key textbook points to quote/paraphrase: (1) citizens/media/pressure groups can agitate; (2) "more and better politics" is needed — implying internal participation is essential.
• Avoid saying either approach is fully sufficient alone; the text presents both as necessary.
• Use terms like "internal democracy," "pressure groups," and "public participation" — these fetch marks.