CBSE Class 10 Social Science Political Parties Assignment Set A

Question. What is meant by ‘Political Party’? 
(A) A group of politically sound people.
(B) A group of people comes together to contest elections to hold power in the government.
(C) A group of people who want to be in power.
(D) A group of people who want to amend the Constitution.

Answer : B

Question. Name the alliance formed by the Congress Party. 
(A) National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
(B) All India Congress (AIC)
(C) All India Congress Committee (AICC)
(D) United Progressive Alliance (UPA)

Answer : D

Question. Bharatiya Janata Party believes in the Philosophy of: 
(A) Cultural nationalism.
(B) Religion above all.
(C) No discrimination on the basis of caste.
(D) Equal opportunity for all.

Answer : A

Question. The Bahujan Samaj Party stands for what cause? 
(A) Securing the interest of the oppressed people.
(B) Equal rights for women.
(C) No discrimination on the basis of religion.
(D) Economic emancipation of women.

Answer : A

Question. If all the decisions of a political party are made by a single family and all other members are neglected, then what challenge is being faced by that party?
(A) Challenge of alliance formation.
(B) Challenge of dynastic succession.
(C) Challenge of partial elections.
(D) Challenge of power.

Answer : B

Question. Study the following picture and answer the question that follows: Which of the following best signifies this cartoon?
(A) People hate politics.
(B) People want to throw away the politicians in Niagara Falls.
(C) Political parties are one of the least trusted institutions all over the world.
(D) People of Canada think that the Liberals should be in power.

Answer : C

Question. Study the following picture and answer the question that follows:
Which of the following leaders is shown in this cartoon?
(A) Berlusconi
(B) Putin
(C) Kwame Nkrumah
(D) Mussolini

Answer : A

Question. Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party? 
(A) Kanshi Ram
(B) B. R. Ambedkar
(C) Shahu Maharaj
(D) Jyotiba Phule

Answer : A

Question. What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party? R
(A) Bahujan Samaj
(B) Revolutionary democracy
(C) Integral humanism
(D) Modernity

Answer : C

Question. Analyze the information given below, considering one of the following correct options:
One of the oldest parties in the world. Founded in 1885 and has experienced many splits. Played a dominant role in Indian politics at the National and State level for several decades after India’s Independence. Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the party sought to build a modern secular democratic republic in India.
(A) Communist Party of India (CPI)
(B) All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)
(C) Indian National Congress (INC)
(D) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

Answer : C

Question. Analyze the information given below, considering one of the following correct options:
Formed in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram. Seeks to represent and secure power for the bahujan samaj which includes the dalits, adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities. Draws inspiration from the ideas and teachings of Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker and Babasaheb Ambedkar. Stands for the cause of securing the interests and welfare of the dalits and oppressed people.
(A) Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)
(B) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
(C) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
(D) Indian National Congress (INC)

Answer : B

Question. Analyze the information given below, considering one of the following correct options:
Founded in 1980 by reviving the erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh, formed by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951. Wants to build a strong and modern India by drawing inspiration from
India’s ancient culture and values; and Deendayal Upadhyaya’s ideas of integral humanism and Antyodaya. Cultural nationalism (or ‘Hindutva’) is an important element in its conception of Indian nationhood and politics.
(A) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
(B) All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)
(C) Indian National Congress (INC)
(D) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

Answer : A

Question. Find the incorrect options:
(A) Every party in the country has to register with the Election Commission.
(B) While the Commission treats all parties equally.
(C) It offers some special facilities to large and established parties.
(D) These parties are given an ordinary symbol– only the official candidates of that party can use that election symbol.

Answer : D

Question. Find the incorrect options:
(A) In a democracy, a large number of similar opinions have to be grouped to provide adirection in  which policies can be formulated by the governments.
(B) That is what the parties do.
(C) A party reduces a vast multitude of opinions into a few basic positions which it supports.
(D) A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the opposition party.

Answer : D

Assertion and Reason Based MCQs

Directions : In the following questions, A statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R).
Mark the correct choice as:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.

Question. Assertion (A): Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country.
Reason (R): Opposition parties also mobilize opposition to the government.
Answer : B

Question. Assertion (A): India has multi party system.
Reason (R): The multi party system often appears very messy and leads to political instability.
Answer : B

Question. Assertion (A): Political parties are easily one of the most visible institutions in a democracy.
Reason (R): For most ordinary citizens, democracy is equal to political parties.
Answer : A

Question. Assertion (A): Most people tend to be very critical of political parties.
Reason (R): They tend to blame parties for all that is wrong without democracy and our political life.
Answer : A

Question. Assertion (A): Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose from them.
Reason (R): Each of us has similar opinions andview s on what policies are suitable for society.
Answer : C

Question. Assertion (A): Council Members form and run governments.
Reason (R): Parties recruit leaders, train them and then make them ministers to run the government in the way they want.
Answer : D

Question. Assertion (A): The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies.
Reason (R): As societies became large and organised, they do not need any agency to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government.
Answer : C

Case-based MCQs

I. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:

Democracies that follow a federal system all over the world tend to have two kinds of political parties: parties that are present in only one of the federal units and parties that are present in several or all units of the federation. This is the case in India as well. There are some countrywide parties, which are called National parties. These parties have their units in various states. But by and large, all these units follow the same policies, programmes and strategy that is decided at the National level. Every party in the country has to register with the Election Commission. While the Commission treats all parties equally, it offers some special facilities to large and established parties. These parties are given a unique symbol – only the official candidates of that party can use that election symbol. Parties that get this privilege and some other special facilities are ‘recognised’ by the Election Commission for this purpose. That is why these parties are called, ‘Recognised Political Parties’. The Election Commission has laid down detailed criteria of the proportion of votes and seats that a party must get in order to be a recognised party. A party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a State and wins at least two seats is recognised as a State party. A party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four States and wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognised as a National Party.

Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate options:

Question. What does the Election Commission of India allot to all Parties so that they are called 'Recognised Political Parties'?
(A) Emblem
(B) Motif
(C) Symbol
(D) Flag

Answer : C

Question. A party is called 'National Party' only when it polls _________ of total valid votes in at least ______ states and in addition it wins _________
Lok Sabha Seats.
(A) 2%, Four, 4
(B) 6%, Four, 4
(C) 4%, Four, 4
(D) 2%, Four, 3

Answer : B

Question. Every party in the country has to register with:
(A) Prime Minister
(B) President
(C) Election Commission
(D) All of these

Answer : C

Question. Two regional parties of West Bengal are:
(A) Forward Bloc and Trinamool Congress
(B) All India Trinamool Congress and Forward Bloc
(C) National Congress Party and Forward Bloc
(D) Indian National Congress and Forward Bloc

Answer : A

II. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow

Let us look at some of the recent efforts and suggestions in our country to reform political parties and their leaders: l
The Constitution was amended to prevent elected MLAs and MPs from changing parties. This was done because many elected representatives were indulging in DEFECTION in order to become ministers or for cash rewards. Now the law says that if any MLA or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the seat in the legislature. This new law has helped bring defection down. At the same time this has made any dissent even more difficult. MPs and MLAs have to accept whatever the party leaders decide. l

The Supreme Court passed an order to reduce the influence of money and criminals. Now, it is mandatory for every candidate who contests elections to file an AFFIDAVIT giving details of his property and criminal cases pending against him. The new system has made a lot of information available to the public. But there is no system of checking whether the information given by the candidates is true. As yet, we do not know if it has led to decline in the influence of the rich and the criminals. The Election Commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold their organisational elections and file their income tax returns. The parties have started doing so but sometimes it is mere formality. It is not clear if this step has led to greater internal democracy in political parties. Besides these, many suggestions are often made to reform political parties: l

A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties. It should be made compulsory for political parties to maintain a register of its members, to follow its own constitution, to have an independent authority, to act as a judge in case of party disputes, to hold open elections to the highest posts.

l It should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to women candidates. Similarly, there should be a quota for women in the decision-making bodies of the party.

l There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to support their election expenses. This support could be given in kind: petrol, paper, telephone, etc. Or it could be given in cash on the basis of the votes secured by the party in the last election.

Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate options:

Question. Changing Party allegiance from the Party on which a person got elected (to a legislative body) to a different Party was done normally by:
(A) Only MPs
(B) By both MPs and MLAs
(C) Only MLAs
(D) By none of them

Answer : B

Question. The Supreme Court has passed an order to file ___________ giving details of the property and criminal cases pending against every candidate who contests elections.
(A) writ
(B) case
(C) an affidavit
(D) charge

Answer : C

Question. It should be made mandatory for Political Parties to give a minimum of about one-third of tickets to:
(A) Women
(B) SCs
(C) STs
(D) All of them

Answer : A

Question. The Government should give parties state funding of elections as:
(A) Diesel, Petrol, Kerosene oil, etc.
(B) Paper, Stationery, Printed forms, etc.
(C) Mobile Phones, Telephones, Computer, etc.
(D) Petrol, Paper, Telephone, etc.

Answer : D

III. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:

In some countries, power usually changes between two main parties. Several other parties may exist, contest elections and win a few seats in the National legislatures. But only the two main parties have a serious chance of winning majority of seats to form government. Such a party system is called twoparty system. The United States of America and the United Kingdom are examples of two-party system. If several parties compete for power and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others, we call it a multi party system. Thus, in India, we have a multi party system. In this system, the government is formed by various parties coming together in a coalition. When several parties in a multi-party system join hands for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power, it is called an alliance or a front. For example, in India there were three such major alliances in 2004 parliamentary elections– the National Democratic Alliance, the United Progressive Alliance and the Left Front. The multiparty system often appears very messy and leads to political instability. At the same time, this system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation. Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate options:

Question. Countries having Bi- party system:
(A) USA
(B) India
(C) China
(D) All of these

Answer : A

Question. The multi-party system:
(A) appears very messy.
(B) leads to political instability.
(C) not free to form a political party.
(D) Both (A) and (B)

Answer : D

Question. The Government is formed by various parties coming together in a/an ________.
(A) alliance
(B) front
(C) coalition
(D) opposition

Answer : C

Question. Which party leads the ruling NDA government at the Centre?
(A) Indian National Congress
(B) Bharatiya Janata Party
(C) Bahujan Samaj Party
(D) Communist Party of India

Answer : B

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question. What is an important function of a political party in India? 
Answer : To contest elections.

Question. Why is one party political system not considered a good democratic system? 
Answer : Because one party system has no democratic option.

Question. Examine the reason to accept multi – party system in India . 
Answer : Because it is easy to absorb different social and geographical diversities in multi- party system.

Question. Name a country that has one party system.
Answer : China.

Question. Name any two regional parties of West Bengal. 
Answer : (i) Forward Bloc (ii) Trinamool Congress

Question. When was the Communist Party of India – Marxist(CP I-M) formed?
Answer : CPI-M was formed in 1964.

Question. Why do political parties involve partisanship?
Answer : Because parties are about a part of the society and thus they involve partisanship.

Question. Which of the following is the most visible institutions in a democracy?
Answer : Political parties

Question. How many political parties are registered with the election commission of India?
Answer : More than 750

Question. What is the full form of BJP?
Answer : Bhartiya Janta Party.

Question. How many political parties were recognized as National parties in India in 2019?
Answer : 07

Question. How many Lok sabha constituencies are there in India at present?
Answer : 543

Question. Which state consists of the largest Lok sabha constituency in India?
Answer : Uttar Pradesh

Question. What is the full form of NDA
Answer : National Democratic Alliance

Question. Which party system followed in India
Answer : Multiparty system

Question. What is Bye-election?
Answer : Elections held to fill a vacancy caused by the death or any other reasons.

Question. Who is the founder of the Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP)
Answer : Kanshi Ram

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Why do we need political parties?
Answer :
1. Political parties are easily one of the most visible institutions in a democracy.
2. For most ordinary citizens, political parties are equal to democracy.
3. Political parties helped in making public opinion and farming the govt.

Question. Describe the merits of a multiparty system in three points.
Answer :
1. More than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own
strength or in alliance with others
2. This system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.
3. In India we have multi-party system and the coalition govt. for last 15 years which benefits all sections of the population.

Question. What are the characteristics of a political party?
Answer :
1. It is a group of people coming together to contest elections and share power.
2. It agrees on some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote collective good.
3. It lends to implement their policies by viewing popular support through elections.
4. It is known by which part it stands for, which policies it supports and whose interest it upholds.

Question. What is the role of opposition party in democracy
Answer :
1. Constructive criticism of govt.
2. Restriction of arbitrariness of ruling party
3. Safeguard, liberty and rights of the people
4. Well prepared to form govt. 5. Expression of public opinion

Question. Give an account of the functions (any four) of political parties.
Answer :
1. They educate the masses, through their meetings and propaganda about various problems facing the country
2. Helps in the formation of public opinion
3. They contest elections and try to get the maximum number of their candidates elected
4. They serve as a link between the govt. and the people
5. The party which gets as absolute majority forms the govt. others form opposition

Question. “The rise of political parties is linked to the emergence of representative democracies.” Comment on the statement.
Answer :
1. As a society become large and complex they also need some agenesis together with different views on various issues and to present these to the govt.
2. They need some ways to bring various representatives together so that a responsible govt. can be formed.
3. They need a mechanism to support and restrain the govt. make policies, justify or oppose them.

Question. Describe the necessity of political parties in a democratic country?
Answer : Political parties are necessary for democratic countries because:
(i) Without political parties, democracies cannot exist.
(ii) If we do not have political parties, in such a situation every candidate in elections will be independent.
(iii) No one will be able to make any promises to the people about any major policy changes.
(iv) The government may be formed, but its utility will remain uncertain.
(v) Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency for what they do in their locality. But no one will be responsible for how the country will run.
(vi) The role of an opposition party in a democracy necessitates the existence of political parties.
(vii) As societies become large and complex, they also need some agencies to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government, that’s why, political parties are needed. (Any three)

Question. Describe the role of political parties in India. 
Answer : Role of Political Parties:
(i) Parties contest elections.
(ii) Parties put forward different policies and programmes.
(iii) Parties form and run the government.
(iv) Parties that lose in the election play the role of opposition.
(v) Parties shape public opinion.
(vi) Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes.

Question. Explain the three components of ‘Political Party’.
                                   OR
Analyse the three components of a Political party.
                                  OR
Describe the three components of a Political party.
Answer : Three components of Political party:
(i) The leaders.
(ii) The active members.
(iii) The followers.

Question. Explain any three functions of Opposition Political Parties.
Answer : Functions of Opposition Political Parties are:
1. Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power.
2. Criticizing the government for its failures or wrong policies.
3. Opposition parties mobilize opposition to the government.
4. Shape public opinion.

Question. Describe any three main features of Two-party system. 
Answer : Main features of the Two-party system:
(i) Power usually changes between two parties, several other parties may exist.
(ii) In such a system, people get a clear choice.
(iii) The party that wins the majority forms the government and the other sits in Opposition.
(iv) Strong opposition is good for democracy.
(v) Prompt decisions are taken and implemented.
(vi) More development and less corruption.

Question. What is a Multi-party system? Why has India adopted a Multi-party system? Explain.
Answer : Multi-party system: If several parties compete for power and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their strength or in alliance with others, we call it a Multi-party system. i) There is social and geographical diversity in India.
(ii) India is such a large country, which is not easily absorbed by two or three parties.
(iii) The system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.

Question. What do you understand by the Bi-party system? Write its one merit and one demerit. 
Answer : Bi-party system: In some countries, power usually changes between the two main parties. It is also known as the two party system. In this system, the government is formed by one party and the other plays the role of opposition. Merit: This system allows stability of the government as no coalition is there. Demerit: In this system, only two main parties have a serious chance of winning majority seats to form the government.

Question. How are Political Parties recognized as Regional and National Parties in India? Explain with examples.
Answer : Regional and National Parties: The Election Commission gives regulation to the parties as a regional and national parties on the following basis:
(i) Regional Party:
(a) A party to secure at least six per cent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a state and win at least two seats.
(b) Example: Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena, DMK, etc.
(ii) National Party:
(a) A party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in Lok Sabha election or Assembly in four states and wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha.
(b) For example: BJP, Indian National Congress, etc.

Question. “Nearly every one of the State Parties wants to get an opportunity to be a part of one or the other national level coalition.” Support the statement with arguments.
Answer : State Parties seeking National Level Coalition: Before the general elections of 2014, in three General Elections, no one National Party was able to secure on its own a majority in Lok Sabha. As a result, the national parties were compelled to form alliances with state or regional parties. Since 1996, nearly every one of the state parties has got an opportunity to be a part of one or the other National Level Coalition Government. This has contributed to the strengthening of Federalism and Democracy.

Question. What is meant by ‘Regional Political Party’? State the conditions required to be recognized as a ‘Regional Political Party’.
Answer : A Regional Party is a party that is present in only some states. Conditions required for a party to be recognized as a Regional Political Party are:
(i) A Party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a State.
(ii) Wins at least two seats in the Legislative Assembly.

Question. Describe about the ideology and organization of Bahujan Samaj Party.
Answer : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was formed in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram. Its main aim is that it seeks to represent and secure power for the Bahujan Samaj which includes the Dalits and Adivasis, OBCs and Religious Minorities.

Question. What is a Political Party? State any two points of the ideology of Bharatiya Janta Party?
Answer : A Political Party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promoting the collective good.
The Ideology of BJP:
(i) Wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
(ii) A uniform civil code for all people living in the Country irrespective of Religion.
(iii) Cultural Nationalism.

Question. What is meant by a ‘National Political Party’? State the conditions required to be a National Political Party.
Answer : National Political Parties have units in the various States, they follow the same policies, programmes and strategy that is decided at the National level.
Conditions required:
(i) A party that secures at least 6% of the total votes in general elections of Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four states.
(ii) Wins at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha.

Question. Name the ‘Regional Political Parties’ that are predominant in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha respectively with their symbols.
Answer : Jharkhand—JMM—Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, its symbol is Bow & Arrow. Maharashtra—INC—Indian National Congress, its symbol is Hand. Odisha—BJD—Biju Janata Dal, its symbol is Conch.

Question. Name any six ‘Regional Political Parties’ of the four Southern States of India.
Answer : Tamil Nadu — AIADMK (All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), DMK. Andhra Pradesh — Telugu Desam, Lok Satta Kerala — Kerala Congress (Joseph) Puducherry — AINRC (All India N. R. Congress)

Question. State the conditions as laid down by the Election Commission to recognize a ‘State Party’ and ‘National Party’.
Answer : The difference between a State and a National Party can be identified as follows:
(i) In a State Party, the party members aim to highlight regional interests. On the other hand, a national Party gives due importance to national interests.
(ii) A State Party can contest in elections only in a particular state, whereas a national party can contest in elections all across the Country.
(iii) Example: BJP and Congress are National Parties, whereas Akali Dal and Trinamool Congress are State-level Parties.

Question. Name the National Political Party which espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities. Mention any four features of that party.
Answer : The National Political Party which espouses secularism and the welfare of weaker sections and minorities in the Indian National Congress. Four features of this party are as listed below:
(i) Founded in 1885.
(ii) Dominated Indian Politics, both at the national and State levels, for several decades after India’s Independence.
(iii) Ruling party at the centre till 1977 and then from 1980 to 1989. After 1989, its support declined.
(iv) A centrist party (neither rightist nor leftist) in its ideological orientation.

Question. Exhibit the role of money and muscle power among Political Parties during Elections.
                                                OR
How do money and muscle power play an important role in Elections? Explain.
Answer : Role of money and muscle power among Political Parties during
Elections:
(i) Since Parties are focused only on winning elections, they tend to use shortcuts to win Elections.
(ii) They tend to nominate those Candidates who have or can raise lots of money.
(iii) Rich people and companies who give funds to the parties tend to influence on the Policies and Decisions of the Party.
(iv) In some cases, Parties support criminals who can win elections.
(v) Democrats all over the world are worried about the increasing role of rich people and big companies in Democratic Politics.

Question. Which three challenges do you feel are being faced by Political Parties in India? Give your opinion.
                                                OR
What are the various challenges faced by Political Parties? 
Answer : The three challenges faced by political parties in India are:
(i) Lack of Internal democracy.
(ii) Challenge of Dynastic succession.
(iii) Growing role of money and muscle power.
(iv) Often parties do not seem to offer a meaningful choice to the voters.

Question. “Serious efforts were made by the legal organizations to reform political parties in India.” Support the statement.
Answer : Efforts made by the legal organizations to reform Political Parties in India are:
(i) To check defection, the Constitution was amended to prevent elected MLA’s and MPS’s from changing Parties.
(ii) The Supreme Court passed an order to reduce the influence of money and criminals, by making it mandatory to produce an affidavit giving details of the property and criminal cases pending against the Candidate.
(iii) The Election Commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold their organisational elections and file their Income tax returns.

Question. “Dynastic succession is one of the most serious challenges before the Political Parties”. Analyse the statement. 
Answer : Dynastic succession is one of the most serious challenges before the Political Parties because:
(i) Most political parties do not practice open and transparent procedures for their functioning.
(ii) There are few ways for an ordinary worker to rise to the top of a Party.
(iii) In many Parties, the top positions are always controlled by Members of one family.
(iv) This practice is unfair to other members of that party and is also bad for Democracy.
(v) People who do not have adequate experience or popular support come to occupy a position of power.

Question. Name the national political party which gets inspiration from India’s ancient culture and values. Mention four features of that party.
Answer : Bharatiya Janata Party gets its inspiration from India’s ancient culture and values. Four features of Bharatiya Janata Party are as follows.
• It wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
• It wants a uniform civil code for all people living in the country, irrespective of religion.
• It wants a ban on religious conversions.
• Hindutva or cultural nationalism is an important element in its conception of politics.

Question. State the conditions laid down by the Election Commission to recognise a state party and a national party.
Answer : • A party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in an election to the legislative assembly of a state and wins at least two seats is recognised as a state party.
• A party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in lok sabha elections or assembly elections in four states and wins at least four seats in the lok sabha is recognised as a national party.

Question. What is a multiparty system? Why has India adopted a multiparty system? Explain
Answer : A multiparty system is a political system in which several parties contest the election to hold political power. In this system, there is a chance of two or more parties coming to power. This system also advocates coalition government and alliance politics. India adopted a multiparty system because of the following reasons.
• India is blessed with tremendous social and geographical diversity. This diversity cannot be easily accommodated in one or two political parties.
• Because of multiparty system, variety of interests and opinions enjoy political representation.

Question. Name the national political party which espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities. Mention any four features of that party.
Answer : National Congress Party, formed in 1999, espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities. Four features of this party are as follows:
• It wants high offices in the government to be confined to natural-born citizens of the country.
• It stands for social justice, federalism and equity.
• It is a major party in Maharashtra with a significant presence in Meghalaya, Manipur and Assam.
• In Maharashtra, it is a coalition partner in alliance with the Congress.
• It is a member of the United Progressive Alliance since 2004.

Question. Name the regional political parties predominant in Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand respectively with their symbols
Answer : The regional political parties predominant in:
• Punjab—Shiromani Akali Dal, symbol: scales
• Haryana—Indian National Lok Dal, symbol: a pair of spectacles
• Uttarakhand—Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, symbol: chair

Question. What is meant by a political party? Describe the three components of a political party.
Answer : A political party is a political association or a voluntary group of people who come together to contest elections and hold political power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes. Political parties are necessary for democracy. They provide an important two-way link between the government and the people. They also unite and aggregate like-minded people from diverse backgrounds and religions to form a wide coalition of people and provide unity in diversity.
For the three components of a political party, refer to answer 8.

Question. What is a political party? State any two points of ideology of Bhartiya Janata Party.
Answer : A political party is an association or a voluntary group of people who come together to contest election and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes.
The ideology of Bhartiya Janata Party is as follows.
• It wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
• It wants to build a strong and modern India by drawing inspiration from India’s ancient culture and values.
• It wants a uniform civil code for all people living in the country, irrespective of religion.
• It wants religious conversions to be banned in India. (any three)

Question. Name the six national political parties of India in chronological order.
Answer : The following are the six national political parties of India in chronological order.
• Indian National Congress (1885) .
• Communist Party of India (1925)
• Communist Party of India-Marxist (1964)
• Bhartiya Janata Party (1980)
• Bahujan Samaj Party (1984)
• National Congress Party (1999)

Question. Name the national political party which draws inspiration from the ideas and teachings of Sahu Maharaj. Mention any four features of that party.
Answer : The national political party which draws inspiration from the ideas and teachings of Sahu Maharaj is Bahujan Samaj Party.Four features of this party are as follows.
• It wants to secure the interest and welfare of the dalits and oppressed classes.
• It seeks to represent and secure power for the bahujan samaj which includes dalits, adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities.
• It draws inspiration from the ideas and teachings of Mahatma Phule, Periyar, Ramaswami Naicker and Dr Ambedkar.
• Its main base is in Uttar Pradesh.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Describe any five functions of Political Party. OR Explain any five needs to have Political Parties in a Democratic Country
                        ​​​​​​​                        ​​​​​​​OR
Describe any five major functions of Political Parties performed in a Democracy. OR Describe the importance of Political Parties in a Democratic Government.
                        ​​​​​​​                        ​​​​​​​OR
Describe any five major functions of Political Parties.
                        ​​​​​​​                        ​​​​​​​OR
“Political Parties play a major role in democracy.” Explain any five points to justify this statement. 
                        ​​​​​​​                        OR
“Political parties are rightly called the government in disguise.” Justify the statement in reference to democratic politics by giving five arguments.
Answer : (i) To contest Elections.
(ii) To form & run the government.
(iii) To work as an Opposition Party.
(iv) To shape public opinion.
(v) To make people aware of government policies, welfare schemes, etc.
(vi) Any other relevant point to be explained.

Question. Explain any five functions of the Ruling Party.
Answer : Functions of the Ruling Party:
(i) To contest elections.
(ii) Formation of government.
(iii) Shaping of public opinion.
(iv) Providing people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by the government.
(v) Decisive role in making laws.
(vi) Any other relevant point to be explained.

Question. What is a Political Party? Explain any four characteristics of a Political Party.
                        ​​​​​​​                        OR
What are the characteristics of a Political Party?
Answer : A Political Party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
Characteristics of a Political Party:
(i) Contest elections.
(ii) They have their own programmes, policies and ideology.
(iii) Political Parties play a decisive role in making laws.
(iv) Political parties form and run governments.
(v) Play an important role in opposition.
(vi) Parties shape public opinion.
(vii) Any other relevant point to be explained

Question. “Political Parties are a necessary condition for a Democracy”. Analyse the statement with examples.
                        ​​​​​​​                        OR
Why can’t Modern Democracies exist without Political Parties? Explain any four reasons.
Answer : “Political Parties are a necessary condition for a democracy”
because:
(i) Without Political Parties, Democracies cannot exist.
(ii) If we do not have political parties, in such a situation every candidate in Elections will be independent.
(iii) No one will be able to make any promises to the people about any major policy changes.
(iv) The government may be formed but its utility will remain uncertain.
(v) Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency for what they do in their locality.
(vi) But no one will be responsible for how the country will run.
(vii) The role of an opposition party in a democracy necessitates the existence of Political Parties.
(viii) As societies become large and complex, they also need some agencies to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government, that’s why, Political Parties are needed.

Question. What is meant by a Political Party? Describe the three components of a Political Party.
Answer : Political Party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
Three components of a political party are:
(i) The Leaders: A Political Party consists of leaders, who contest elections and if they win, they perform the administrative job.
(ii) The Active Members: They are the ones, who climb a ladder from being the follower and become the assistant of the leaders to gain knowledge about politics.
(iii) The Followers: They are simply the ardent followers of the leaders and work under the able guidance of the active members.

Question. Explain two functions each of the Ruling Party as well as of the Opposition Parties.
Answer : Functions of the Ruling Parties:
(i) They play a major role in making laws for the country.
(ii) They form the government and run the country.
(iii) They recruit leaders, train them and then make ministers run the government. Functions of the
Opposition Parties:
(i) They oppose the government by voicing different views.
(ii) They criticise the government for its failure and wrong policies.
(iii) They mobilise opposition to the government.

Question. What is a Multi-Party system? Explain Merits and Demerits of multi-party system.
Answer : In the Multi-party system, three or more parties compete to gain control of the government separately or in the coalition. When no single party gain majority votes then several parties join and form a coalition government. For example- India. Supporters of this system point out that it allows more points of view to be presented in the government.
Merits:
(i) This system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.
(ii) People can choose between several candidates.
Demerits:
(i) No one party is likely to gain power alone. Therefore, it leads to difficulty in formation of the government.
(ii) Leads to political instability and often appears to be very messy.

Question. Describe the importance of Regional Political parties in strengthening democracy.
Answer : Importance of Regional Political Parties:- Over the last three decades, the number and strength of regional parties have expanded. This made the Parliament of India politically more and more diverse. No one national party can secure on its own a majority in Lok Sabha. As a result, the National Parties are compelled to form alliances with state parties since 1996. Nearly everyone of the state parties has got an opportunity to be a part of one or the other National level coalition government. This has contributed to the strengthening of federalism and democracy in our country.

Question. What is meant by National Parties? State the criteria for recognizing a party as National and State party.
Answer : Democracies that follow a Federal System all over the world tend to have two kinds of Political Parties—Parties that are present in only one of the federal units and parties that are present in several or all units of the federation. Those parties, which are countrywide, are called National Parties. National and State Parties:
(i) A Party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a State and wins at least two seats is recognized as a State Party.
(ii) A Party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four States and wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognized as a National Party.

Question. Differentiate between National and Regional Parties.
Answer : National Parties:
(i) A Party that secures at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four States and wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognized as a National Party.
(ii) National Parties have influence in more than three states. For example: Congress, BJP, BSP, CPI-M, CPI and NCP.
Regional Parties:
(i) A Party that secures at least 6% of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a State and wins at least two seats is recognised as a State Party or Regional Party.
(ii) Regional parties have influence in about three states. For example, DMK, Rashtriya Janata Dal, AIADMK, etc. 

Question. Illustrate the situations which display lack of Internal Democracy within a Political Party.
                        ​​​​​​​                        OR
“Lack of Internal Democracy within Parties is the major challenge to political parties all over the World.” Analyse the statement. OR In what way lack of Internal Democracy is seen in the Political Parties?
Answer : Situations which display a lack of Internal Democracy within a Political Party are:
(i) Parties do not keep membership registers, do not hold organisational meetings and do not conduct internal elections regularly.
(ii) Ordinary members of the party do not get sufficient information on what happens inside the Party.
(iii) They do not have the means or the connections needed to influence the decisions. As a result, the leaders assume greater power to make decisions in the name of the Party.
(iv) Since one or a few leaders exercise paramount power in the party, those who disagree with the leadership find it difficult to continue in the Party.
(v) More than loyalty to party principles and policies, personal loyalty to the leader becomes more important.

Question. Suggest any five effective measures to reform Political Parties.
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Suggest and explain any five measures to reform Political Parties.
                        ​​​​​​​                        OR
Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well.
Answer : Effective measures to reform Political Parties are:
(i) A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of Political Parties.
(ii) It should be made compulsory for political parties to maintain a register of its Members.
(iii) It should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about 1/3rd to its Women candidates.
(iv) There should be a quota for women in the decision making bodies of the Party.
(v) There should be state funding of elections.
(vi) The government should give parties money to support their election expenses in kind of petrol, paper, telephone, etc. or cash.
(vii) Vote casting should be made compulsory in each election.
(viii) Data regarding castes and religions, OBCs, SCs, STs should not be utilized during election period in any form.

Question. “All over the world, people express their dissatisfaction with the failure of Political Parties to perform their functions well.” Analyse the statement with arguments.
Answer : Popular dissatisfaction and criticism: It has focused on four areas in the working of Political Parties, need to face and overcome these challenges to remain effective instruments of Democracy. Failure of political parties:
(i) Lack of internal democracy within parties.
(ii) Dynastic succession. (iii) Growing role of money and muscle power in parties.
(iv) There is no meaningful choice to the voters.

Question. Examine any two institutional amendments made by different institutions to reform Political Parties and their leaders.
                        ​​​​​​​                        ​​​​​​​                        OR
Elucidate some of the recent efforts taken in our country to reform Political Parties and its Leaders 
Answer : (i) The Constitution was amended to prevent elected MLA’s and MP’s from changing parties. This was done because many elected representatives were indulging in defection to become ministers or for cash rewards. Now, if any MLA or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the seat in the Legislature
. (ii) The Supreme Court passed an order to reduce the influence of money and criminals. Now, it is mandatory for every candidate who contests Elections to file an affidavit giving details of his property and criminal cases pending against him. The new system has made a lot of information available to the public. But there is no system of check if the information given by the candidates is true.
(iii) The Election Commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold their Organisational elections and file their Income tax returns.
(iv) The Parties have started doing so but sometimes it is a mere formality. It is not clear if this step has led to greater internal democracy in Political Parties. 

Question. Explain any four problem areas in the working of Political Parties.
                        ​​​​​​​                        OR
Explain how political parties are still in the grip of some serious challenges.
Answer : (i) Lack of Internal Democracy: The first challenge is the lack of Internal Democracy within Parties. The concentration of power in one or a few Leaders at the top.
(ii) Dynastic succession: Favour people close to them or even their family members. In many parties, the top positions are always controlled by Members of one family.
(iii) Money and muscle power: The third challenge is about a growing role of money and muscle power in parties, especially during Elections.
(iv) Meaningful choice: The fourth challenge is that very often Parties do not seem to offer a meaningful choice to the voters. 

Question. Why is there a lack of Internal Democracy within the Political Parties in India? Explain with examples.
Answer : There are various reasons for lack of Democracy within the Political Parties in India:
(i) Concentration of power in one or a few Leaders at the top.
(ii) Details of Membership are not registered in the Parties.
(iii) No Organisational Meetings.
(iv) No Internal Elections for Membership within the Party.
(v) Top Leaders have unanimous power of decisionmaking.

 

Short Answers Type Questions

Question -Why do we need political parties?

Answer1. Political parties are easily one of the most visible institutions in a democracy.

2. Far most ordinary citizens, political parties are equal to democracy.

3. Political parties helped in making public opinion and farming the govt.

Question- Describe the merits of a multi party system in thru points.

Answer1. More than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others

2. This system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.

3. In India we have multi party system and the coalition govt. for last 15 years which benefits all sections of the population.

Question- What are the characteristics of a political party?

Answer 1. It is a group of people coming together to contest elections and share power.

2. It agrees on some policies and programmers for the society with a view to promote collective good.

3. It lends to implement there policies by viewing popular support through elections.

4. It is known by which part it stands for, which policies it supports and whose interest it upholds.

Question -What is the role of opposition party in democracy

Answer 1.. Constructive criticism of govt.

2. Restriction of arbitrariness of ruling party

3. Safeguard, liberty and rights of the people

4. Well prepared to form govt.

5. Expression of public opinion

Question - Give an account of the functions (any four) of political parties

Answer. 1. They educate the masses, through their meetings and propaganda about various problems facing the country

2. Helps in the formation of public opinion

3. They contest elections and try to get the maximum number of their candidates elected

4. They serve as a link between the govt. and the people

5. The party which gets as absolute majority, forms the govt. others form opposition

Question - “The rise of political parties is linked to the emergence of representative democracies.” Comment on the statement.

Answer 1. As a society become large and complex they also need some agenesis together with different views on various issues and to present these to the govt.

2. They need some ways to bring various representatives together so that a responsible govt. can by formed.

3. They need a mechanism to support and restrain the govt. make policies, justify or oppose them.

Long Answers Type Questions

Question- What are the main functions of a political party?

Ans.:- 1. To contest election

2. Forming policies and programmes

3. Making laws

4. Parties form and fun govt.

5. To play an active role of opposition

6. Shaping public opinion

7. Access to govt. machinery and welfare schemes

Question- What are the challenges between political parties in India?

Ans.:- Following points can be given with explanation as the challenges of political parties in India—

1. Lack of internal democracy

2. Lack of transparency

3. Use of money and muscle power

4. Not providing meaningful choice to the voter

Question- Mention the features of Congress party in India?

Ans.:- 1. Congress party was founded in 1885 and has experiences many splits.

2. It was ruling party at the centre till 1977 and then in 1880-89, 2000 to till date

3. This party supports secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities.

4. It supports new economic reforms but with a human face.

5. It emerged as the largest party with 145 seats in the Lok Sabha elections in 2004.

6. It currently leads the ruling united progressive alliance (UPA) coalition govt. at the centre.