Test: Political Parties - 1 - UPSC

Political party, a group of people organized to acquire and exercise political power.

India has evolved a multi-party system. It is because the social and geographical diversity in such a large country is not easily absorbed by two or even three parties.

A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between political parties for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power.

Political parties are the most visible institutions in a democracy.

A political party is constituted by a group of people who contest elections and compete against each other to win political power and rule the government.

1. Congress Party - United Progressive Alliance

2. Bharatiya Janata Party - National Democratic Alliance

3. Communist Party of India (Marxist) - Left Front

4. Telugu Desam Party - State/Regional Party

The CPI came into existence in 1964 as a result of the division of the communist party of India. It is against capitalism and believes in socialism, democracy and secularism.

1. Without political parties, democracies cannot exist. If we do not have political parties, every candidate will be independent.

2.  No one will be able to make any promises to people about major policy changes. 

3. The government may be formed but its utility will remain uncertain.

4. 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.

5. 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. 

The empowerment of people is a better way of carrying out political reforms in a democratic country because this should increase and improve the equality of ordinary citizens in political participation.

In our society, every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. In this respect, democratic form of government stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.
The following points support the given statement: 

• Often conflict arises among individuals because some feel that they are not treated with equal respect in comparison to others. It is very common in non- democratic countries.
• But in democracy, respect and freedom are the basis of it. Democracy throughout the world has recognized this at least in principle.
• Thus in democracy, it becomes easier for women to wage a struggle against what is now unacceptable legally and morally for them.

1. Without political parties, democracies cannot exist. If we do not have political parties, every candidate will be independent.

2.  No one will be able to make any promises to people about major policy changes.