Q1: Which of the following are the main components of a political party? Choose the correct option:
I. Leaders
II. Active members
III. Followers
IV. Pressure groups
(a) Only I, II, and III are correct.
(b) Only II, III, and IV are correct.
(c) Only I, III, and IV are correct.
(d) Only I, II, and IV are correct.
Ans: (a) Only I, II, and III are correct.
Explanation:
Thus, only Leaders, Active Members, and Followers (I, II, III) are the main components of a political party.
Q2: Explain the importance of political parties in democracy.
Ans: Political parties are essential for the functioning of a democracy as they facilitate representation, governance, and public participation.
Explanation:
Q3: Why did India adopt the multiparty system? Explain with suitable arguments.
Ans: India adopted the multiparty system to accommodate its diverse social, cultural, and political landscape.
Explanation:
Q4: Describe three main functions of political parties.
Ans: Political parties perform critical functions in a democracy, including contesting elections, forming governments, and shaping public opinion.
Explanation:
Q5: Describe three major challenges faced by political parties in India.
Ans: Political parties in India face challenges such as lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, and money and muscle power.
Explanation:
Q6: To reform the party system, which of the following tasks have been made compulsory for political parties? Choose the most appropriate option:
I. It is now compulsory for all political parties to file income tax returns.
II. It is now compulsory for all parties to have one-third women candidates.
III. It is now compulsory for all political parties to hold their organizational election.
IV. It is now compulsory for all candidates to disclose information about pending criminal cases against them through affidavit.
(a) Only I, II, and III are correct.
(b) Only I, II, and IV are correct.
(c) Only I, III, and IV are correct.
(d) Only II, III, and IV are correct.\
Ans: (c) Only I, III, and IV are correct.
Explanation:
Thus, I, III, and IV are correct reforms.
Q7: Describe any three features of the multiparty system.
Ans: The multiparty system in India is characterized by diversity, coalition governments, and regional representation.
Explanation:
Q8: Which of the following statements are correct related to the role of political parties in India?
I. Play a decisive role in making laws for the country.
II. Making different interest groups in the country.
III. Play a role in shaping public opinion in the country.
IV. Pulling forward different policies and programs before voters.
(a) Only I, II, and III are correct.
(b) Only I, III, and IV are correct.
(c) Only II, III, and IV are correct.
(d) Only I, II, and IV are correct.
Ans: (b) Only I, III, and IV are correct.
Explanation:
Thus, I, III, and IV are correct.
Q9: Read the following source and answer the questions that follow:
The Need for Political Parties
As we have seen, large societies need representative democracy. As societies became large and complex, they also needed some agency to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government. They needed some ways to bring various representatives together so that a responsible government could be formed. They needed a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them. Political parties fulfill these needs that every representative government has. We can say that parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.
(i) Explain the meaning of 'representative democracy'.
Ans: Representative democracy is a system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and govern on their behalf.
Explanation:
(ii) How do political parties shape public opinion?
Ans: Political parties shape public opinion by mobilizing citizens, spreading awareness, and promoting their ideologies.
Explanation:
(ii) Why are political parties considered a necessary condition for a democracy? Explain.
Ans: Political parties are necessary for democracy because they facilitate representation, governance, and accountability.
Explanation:
Ans: (d)
Elections are the primary means by which political parties are held accountable to the public. Voters are able to assess the candidates' performance and decide whether or not to endorse them based on their deeds and statements.
Q2: Describe any three functions of the Political Parties. (3 Marks) (CBSE 2024)
Ans: Functions of Political Parties are:
(1) They contest election.
(2) They put forward different policies and programmes.
(3) Parties form and run the government.
(4) Parties that lose in the election play the role of opposition.
(5) They shape public opinion.
(6) They provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
Q3: Which one of the following countries has two party system? (1 Mark) (2023)
(a) China
(b) Russia
(c) America
(d) India
Ans: (c)
The United States operates under a two-party system, primarily dominated by the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. This means that most elections are primarily contested between these two parties, making it easier for voters to choose between two distinct options. In contrast, other countries like China and Russia have different political systems, and India has multiple parties, which is known as a multi-party system.
Q4: Explain the merits of Multi Party System. (3 Marks) (2023)
Ans: The merits of a multi-party system include:
Q5: Analyze the need of Political Parties in the Democracy. (3 Marks) (CBSE 2023)
OR
Describe the roles of Political Parties in India. (CBSE 2014)
Ans: The need of political parties in a democracy are as follows:
(1) Parties contest elections. In most democracies, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put up by political parties.
(2) Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country. They mould public opinion.
(3) Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by governments.
Ans: The ruling party is the political party that wins elections and forms the government. It is responsible for making and implementing policies.
In contrast, the opposition party consists of those parties that do not achieve a majority in the elections. Their role includes:
Q7: Why has India adopted a multi-party system? Explain. (Term-ll, 2021-22, Foreign 2017, Al 2016)
Ans: India has adopted a multi-party system due to its vast social and geographical diversity. This system allows for a range of interests and opinions to be represented in politics.
Key reasons include:
Overall, this system reflects the complex nature of Indian society and ensures that multiple voices are heard in the political arena.
Q8: How do political parties shape public opinion? (Term-ll, 2021-22)
Ans: Political parties shape public opinion in the following ways:
Q9: Explain how the rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies. (Term-ll, 2021-22)
Ans: The rise of political parties is closely linked to the development of representative democracies. As societies grow and become more complex, they require effective governance.
Here are key points illustrating this connection:
Thus, political parties are vital for the establishment and maintenance of a representative democratic system.
Q10: Explain any three features of a 'one-party system'. (Term-ll, 2021-22)
Ans: Three features of one party system are as follows:
(i) Only one party is allowed to control and rule the government. There is no change of government and power is concentrated in the hands of the party leader.
(ii) In this system electoral politics does not permit free competition for power.
(iii) There is absence of the checks and balances provided by democratic government.
Q11: "Political parties have become omnipresent in democracies all over the world." Explain the statement with examples. (Term-ll, 2021-22)
Ans: We need political parties because of the functions that the political parties perform:
(i) They contest in elections.
(ii) They put forward different policies and programme for the betterment of society.
(iii) They play a decisive role in the making of laws that affect each of us.
(iv) They form and run the government.
(v) They play the role of opposition to the ruling party.
(vi) They shape public opinion, as they raise and highlight issues.
(vii) They provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by the government.
Q12: Describe the role of political parties in Indian democracy. (Term-ll, 2021-22 C, 2020 C)
Ans: Indian democracy has a multi-party system, political parties perform a series of functions to strengthen our democracy in the following manners:
(i) Contesting elections : Political parties contest elections; A political party nominates its candidate for the electoral contest in various constituencies. This provides a variety of choice of personalities for the people to vote for.
(ii) Policies : Political parties put forward different policies and programmes so that the voters can choose from amongst them. A political party brings a large number of similar opinions under one umbrella. These opinions are channelised to form policies and programmes. The policies and programmes of the ruling party generally become the government policies.
(iii) Making law : Political parties play a decisive role in making laws for the country that benefits the v/hole population.
(iv) Playing opposition : A party which does not get majority or does not come under the majority coalition, needs to play the role of opposition. This forms the basis of checks and balances in a democracy.
(v) Shaping public opinion: Political parties shape public opinion. They do so by raising and highlighting issues in the legislature and in the media.
(vi) Providing access to government machinery: Political parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by governments. Parties need to be responsive to people’s needs and demands thus bring good governance.
Political parties are as easily one of the most visible institutions in a democracy. For most ordinary citizens, democracy is equal to political parties.
Q13: "There are various reforms taken to strengthen parties in India so that they perform their function well." Explain the statement with examples. (Term-II,2021-22)
Ans: To strengthen political parties in India and enhance their functioning, several reforms have been implemented.
Here are some examples:
(i) Transparency and Accountability: Requiring political parties to disclose their funding sources and expenditures to ensure transparency and accountability. For example, the Election Commission of India has introduced guidelines for parties to submit annual audited reports.
(ii) Internal Democracy: Encouraging parties to adopt internal democratic processes such as holding regular elections for party leadership positions. This promotes inclusivity and fairness within the party structure.
(iii) Anti-defection Law: Implementing the Anti-defection law to prevent elected representatives from switching parties indiscriminately, thus promoting stability and party discipline.
(iv) State Funding of Elections: Providing state funding for elections to reduce the influence of money power and promote a level playing field for all parties, especially smaller ones with limited resources.
(v) Electoral Reforms: Introducing reforms like electronic voting machines (EVMs) to ensure free and fair elections, reducing malpractices and enhancing the credibility of the electoral process.
(vi) Strengthening Election Commission: Empowering the Election Commission to regulate and oversee the conduct of elections impartially, ensuring that parties adhere to the set guidelines and rules.
These reforms aim to strengthen political parties in India, enabling them to fulfill their functions effectively and serve the interests of the public better.
(i) Which one of the following is a National party?
(a) Bharatiya Janata Party
(b) Samajwadi Party
(c) Shiv Sena
(d) Shiromani Akali Dal
Ans: (a)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is recognized as a national party in India because it has a presence in multiple states and follows a unified policy and strategy set at the national level. It meets the criteria laid out by the Election Commission, which includes securing a specific percentage of votes and winning a certain number of seats in elections. In contrast, the other options, like the Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena, and Shiromani Akali Dal, are primarily focused on specific states and do not have the same national reach.
(ii) Which of the following is not a regional party? [Old NCERT]
(a) Jharkhand Mukti Morcha
(b) Asom Gana Parishad
(c) Indian National Congress
(d) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Ans: (c)
The Indian National Congress (INC) is not a regional party because it operates across the entire country and has units in multiple states. In contrast, the other options like Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Asom Gana Parishad, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam are regional parties that primarily focus on specific areas or states in India.
(iii) Where does every political party have to register in India?
(a) Government of India
(b) NITI Aayog
(c) Election Commission
(d) Law Commisssion
Ans: (c)
In India, every political party must register with the Election Commission. This ensures that the party is recognized officially and can participate in elections. The Election Commission regulates the conduct of elections and maintains a fair electoral process in the country.
(iv) When a party that secures at least six per cent of total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four states and wins at least four seats of Lok Sabha, it is recognised as a :
(a) Regional Party
(b) National Party
(c) Pressure Group
(d) Business Organisation
Ans: (b)
A party is recognized as a National Party in India if it secures at least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four states and wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha. This recognition allows the party to have certain privileges, like using a unique election symbol across the country.
Q15: Give one technical term for the following statement: "A person who is strongly committed to a party or group." (2020 C)
Ans: Partisan
A partisan is someone who is strongly committed to a specific party or group. This commitment often leads to:
Partisanship can influence political dynamics, as it reflects loyalty to particular policies and interests.
Q16: Describe the role of political parties in Indian democracy. (Term-ll, 2021-22 C, 2020 C)
Ans: Indian democracy operates within a multi-party system, where political parties play essential roles to enhance democratic governance.
Their functions include:
Political parties are among the most visible institutions in a democracy. For many citizens, the concept of democracy is closely linked to the presence and actions of political parties.
Q17: Define the term 'Political Party'. Explain with examples the need for political parties in India. (2020)
Ans: Political parties: A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
Need of Political Parties in India:
(i) The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies.
(ii) As societies became large and complex, they also needed some agency to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government.
(iii) They needed some ways, to bring various representatives together so that a responsible government could be formed.
(iv) They needed a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them.
(v) Political parties fulfill these needs that every representative government has.
Q18: Correct the following statement and rewrite it: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was formed under the leadership of Mayawati. (2020)
Ans:
Q19: Suggest any one way to make political parties more responsive to people’s needs and demands. (CBSE 2020, 15)
Ans: Political parties can be made more responsive through organised petitions, agitations and publicity by various groups.
Explanation: This shall make political parties pay more attention to people’s needs to secure their support.
Q20: Suggest any one way to promote public participation in political parties for enhancing the quality of democracy. (CBSE 2020)
Ans: Following are the ways in which public participation in political parties can be promoted:
(1) Parties should make their election process more transparent and elect more candidates from among the common people.
(2) Various platforms like social media can be used to allocate them small responsibilities to maintain their interest in party activities.
Ans:
The three components of a political party are as follows:
Note: A political party is a group of people with similar ideologies who come together to form an organization in order to contest elections and hold power in the government.
Q22: How are Political parties recognised as regional and National parties in India? (CBSE Delhi 2019)
Ans: India has a multi-party system, where political parties are classified as national, state or regional level parties. All parties are registered with the Election Commission.
The criterion for Recognition by The Election Commission as national or state-level parties.
National Party:
(i) A party that secures at least six per cent of 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 part.
(ii) Now, India has seven recognised national parties.
(iii) Indian National Congress, Bhartiya Janta Party.
State Party:
(i) A party that secures at least 6 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.
(ii) There are 54, state recognised parties in India.
(iii) Biju Janta Dal, Mizo National Front
Q23: Define the two-party system. Explain its advantages and disadvantages. (CBSE 2019)
Ans: Two party system: In a democratic system power usually changes between two main parties, several other parties may exists but only the two main parties have a serious chance of winning majority of seats to form government is known as Two Party System.
Advantages:
(1) Several other parties contest election.
(2) Clarity of manifestoes and programs.
Disadvantages:
(1) Limited choice to the voters.
(2) Limited representation.
Ans: Political parties play a crucial role in democracies by performing several important functions:
Q25: Illustrate the situations which display lack of internal democracy within a political party. (CBSE 2018)
Ans: Situations which display lack of internal democracy within a political party:
(1) Parties do not keep membership registers, do not hold organisational meetings, and do not conduct internal elections regularly.
(2) Ordinary members of the party do not get sufficient information on what happens inside the party.
(3) 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.
(4) Since one or few leaders exercise paramount power in the party, those who disagree with the leadership find it difficult to continue in the party.
(5) More than loyalty to party principles and policies, personal loyalty to the leader becomes more important.
Ans: The Election Commission of India is responsible for the task of recognizing political parties in India. Every party in India has to register with the Election Commission and it also lays down detailed criteria for state as well as national level parties to qualify as a particular 'party.'
Q27: Name any two regional political parties of U.P. (Uttar Pradesh). (CBSE 2017)
Ans: Two Regional Political Parties of UP:
Q28: Assess the importance of political parties in a democracy. (CBSE (F) 2017)
Ans: Importance of Political Parties:
Q29: “Political Parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.” Analyse the statement with examples. (CBSE (Comptt) 2017)
Ans: Political parties are a necessary condition for a democracy: If political parties don't exist then:
Q30: Why did India choose to have a multi-party system?
OR
Examine the reason to accept a multi-party system in India. (CBSE (F) 2017)
Ans: India adopted multi-party system because
Q31: Elucidate some of the recent efforts taken in our country to reform political parties and their leaders. (CBSE Delhi 2017)
OR
Examine any two institutional amendments made by different institutions to reform political parties and their leaders. (CBSE (F) 2016)
Ans:
Q32: Describe in brief the recent efforts that have been made in India to reform political parties and their leaders. (CBSE 2016-17C)
Ans: Recent efforts to reform political parties and their leaders are as given below:
Q33: How can the growing role of money and muscle power in political parties be controlled? Suggest any three measures. (CBSE 2017)
Ans: The growing role of money and muscle power in political parties can be controlled in the following ways:
(1) There should be state funding of elections.
(2) Rath yatras, rallies and processions should be banned.
(3) All types of elections should be held at the same time.
(4) It should be mandatory for every candidate contesting elections to file an affidavit giving details of his/her property and criminal cases pending against him/her, if any.
(5) Political parties should hold their organisational elections and file their income tax returns
Q34: Explain any three recent efforts made to reform political parties in India. (CBSE 2017, 11)
OR
Suggest any three reforms to make political parties more democratic. (CBSE 2017)
Ans: Recent efforts made to reform political parties in India are:
(1) Anti-defection law has been introduced, under which a member can be disqualified if he/she goes against the instructions issued by the party for monetary benefits.
(2) To reduce the influence of money and muscle power in the parties, funding of political parties has been made transparent and democratic. Funds can only be accepted if complete documentation has been attached and miscreants are likely to be punished.
(3) It is mandatory for any candidate to file an affidavit giving details of his property and cases pending against him/her before nomination.
Ans: A one-party system is not seen as a good democratic system for several reasons:
In contrast, systems with multiple parties encourage a broader range of opinions and choices.
Q36: Name any one political party that has a national-level political organization but is not recognized as the national political party. (Al 2016)
Ans: Samajwadi Party, Samata Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal
Q37: Name the alliance formed by the Congress Party. (CBSE 2016)
Ans: The alliance formed by the Congress Party is known as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
Q38: Which party was the principal opposition party in Lok Sabha in 2004? (2016) [Old NCERT]
Ans: The principal opposition party in the Lok Sabha in 2004 was the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Q39: What are the components of a political party? (CBSE (AI) 2016)
Ans: The components of a political party include:
Q40: Name any one political party that has a national-level political organisation but not recognised as the national political party. (CBSE Delhi 2016)
Ans: State parties like the Samajwadi Party, Samata party and Rashtriya Janata Dal have National level political organisations with units in several States but are not recognised as national parties.
Q41: Why is a one-party political system not considered a good democratic system? (CBSE (F) 2016)
Ans: The one-party political system is not considered a good democratic system for several reasons:
Q42: What is meant by a ‘national political party? State the conditions required to be a national political party. (CBSE Delhi 2016)
Ans: National Political Party has 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.
Q43: “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. (CBSE 2016)
Ans: State parties seeking National level coalition: Before the general election 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.
Q44: What is meant by a regional political party? State the conditions required to be recognised as a ‘regional political party. (CBSE (Al) 2016)
Ans: A regional Party is a party that is present only in some states. Conditions required for a party to be recognised as a regional political party are:
Q45: What is a political party? State any two points of the ideology of the Bhartiya Janata Party. (CBSE (F) 2016)
Ans: A political party is a group of individuals who unite to contest elections and gain power in the government. They share common policies and programmes aimed at promoting the collective good of society.
The ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) includes:
Q46: Why did India adopt a multi-party system? (CBSE (AI) 2016)
Ans: India has adopted a multi-party systemdue to its vast size and diverse society.
Here are key reasons:
This system can lead to coalitions where parties join forces to form a government, reflecting the complex political landscape of India.
Q47: “All over the world, people express their dissatisfaction with the failure of political parties to perform their functions well.” Analyse the statement with arguments. (CBSE Delhi 2016)
Ans: Popular dissatisfaction and criticism: It has focused on four areas in the working of political parties, need to face and overcome these challenges in order to remain effective instruments of democracy. Lack of internal democracy within parties.
Q48: What suggestions are often made to reform political parties?
OR
Suggest any five effective measures to reform political parties. (CBSE (AI) 2016)
Ans:
Q49: “Political parties are a necessary condition for a democracy”. Analyse the statement with examples. (CBSE (AI) 2016)
OR
“About hundred years ago there were a few countries that had hardly any political party. Now, there are a few countries that do not have political parties .” Examine this statement.
Ans: Political parties are a necessary condition for democracy.
Ans:
Q51: What is the multi-party system? Why did India adopt a multi-party system? (CBSE 2015)
Ans: Multi-party system: A multi-party system exists when several political parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a realistic chance of winning either independently or through alliances.
Reasons for India's multi-party system:
Q52: Why do political parties involve partisanship? (CBSE 2015)
Ans: Parties follow different ideologies and people who support these ideologies passionately are its supporters. These supporters work hard to prove that their political party and its ideology is the only correct and ideal approach towards development of the country. In this process, they become staunch supporters of their parties which is called being a partisan.
Ans: Functions of Political Parties are:
(1) They contest election.
(2) They put forward different policies and programmes.
(3) Parties form and run the government
Q54: Name the “Regional political parties” that are predominant in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and in Odisha respectively with their symbols. (CBSE 2014)
Ans: The “Regional political parties” that are predominant in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and in Odisha respectively with their symbols are:
Ans: Indian National Congress (INC) espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities. Four features of the party are as follows:
Commitment to Secularism: The party promotes harmony among different religions and ensures equality irrespective of religious or cultural differences.
Focus on Welfare of Weaker Sections: The INC advocates for policies aimed at uplifting marginalized groups, such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minorities, through reservations, scholarships, and welfare schemes.
Support for Economic Reforms with Social Justice: The party supports liberalization and privatization while balancing the interests of weaker sections through programs aimed at poverty alleviation and rural development.
Advocacy of Democratic Values: The INC emphasizes democratic principles, striving for a fair and inclusive political environment within its party framework and in governance.
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