1. State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
- Contest elections: Political parties put forward candidates to represent them in elections and strive to gain public support to come to power.
- Form and run governments: The party (or coalition) with majority seats forms the government, making key decisions and implementing policies.
- Make policies/programmes: Parties propose programs and policies to address public issues; their manifestos guide the government’s direction.
- Shape public opinion: Parties organize campaigns, debates, and discussions to inform and influence the citizens.
- Provide opposition: Parties not in power check the ruling party, criticize its policies, and ensure accountability.
- Link people to government: Parties listen to public grievances and interest groups, conveying their concerns to the government, thus bridging the gap between citizens and authorities.
2. What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
- Lack of internal democracy: Many parties are dominated by a few leaders, with little internal consultation.
- Dynastic succession: Power often passes down within families, sidelining capable leaders.
- Role of money and muscle power: Candidatures or influence are sometimes won through wealth or force, undermining fairness.
- Declining trust among citizens: Scandals and unfulfilled promises have led to diminishing confidence in parties’ integrity and intentions.
3. Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well.
- Enforce internal democracy: Regular, fair party elections and transparency in choosing candidates.
- Transparency in funding: Parties should declare sources of their funds to avoid corruption.
- Regulate dynastic politics: Encourage opportunities for ordinary members, not just relatives of leaders.
- Encourage voter/civil society participation: Greater public involvement in internal matters and policy-making.
- Strict laws against corruption: Penalize criminal or corrupt practices among party members.
4. What is a political party?
A political party is an organized group sharing similar ideas, working to gain political power, contest elections, form the government, and implement their policies.
5. What are the characteristics of a political party?
- Parties have an organized structure and membership.
- They represent specific ideologies or viewpoints.
- They aim to contest and win elections for power.
- They aspire to form government and implement their agenda.
- Parties work to mobilize citizens and create public support.
6. A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a _____________________.
Political party – This is the fundamental definition.
7. Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II:
- Congress Party is a major national party, leader of the United Progressive Alliance.
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) heads the National Democratic Alliance.
- Communist Party of India (Marxist) leads the Left Front.
- Telugu Desam Party is a notable State party in Andhra Pradesh.
8. Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
Kanshi Ram founded the BSP to represent Dalits and marginalized communities in India.
9. What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
Integral humanism — a philosophy emphasizing balanced development of material and spiritual life, as propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
10. Consider the following statements on parties. Which are correct?
- A. Many people distrust political parties, citing broken promises or scandals.
- B. Scandals involving party leaders are common in the news.
- C. The statement that parties are unnecessary for running governments is incorrect: democracy would not function smoothly without structured parties and opposition.
Therefore, only A and B are correct.
4.Political-Parties