Unit Test (Solutions): Political Parties | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour    

M.M.: 30

Instructions:

• Attempt all questions.
• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1. What is a political party? (1 Mark)
(a) A government body
(b) A group of army officials
(c) A group of people with shared beliefs contesting elections
(d) A civil society organization

Ans: c) A group of people with shared beliefs contesting elections

A political party is defined as a group of individuals who share common beliefs and aim to contest elections to gain political power. The other options do not accurately describe the essence of a political party.

Q2. Which political party was formed in 2012 and is currently in power in Delhi and Punjab? (1 Mark)
(a) BJP
(b) BSP
(c) INC
(d) AAP

Ans: d) AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was established in 2012 and has successfully formed governments in both Delhi and Punjab. The other options refer to different political parties that do not hold power in these states.

Q3. Which of the following is a national party from the North-East region of India? (1 Mark)
(a) NPP
(b) CPI(M)
(c) SP
(d) BJD

Ans: a) NPP

The National People's Party (NPP) is recognized as a national party from the North-East region of India. The other options are parties from different regions and do not represent the North-East.

Q4. State any one function performed by political parties in a democracy. (1 Mark)
Ans: Political parties play a vital role in a democracy by:

• Contesting elections: They put forward candidates to represent their views.
• Formulating policies: Parties group various opinions to create coherent policies.
• Shaping public opinion: They raise issues and mobilise support among citizens.
• Providing access to government: Parties help citizens connect with government services.

Q5. Mention one challenge that political parties face in India. (1 Mark)
Ans: One challenge that political parties face in India is the lack of internal democracy.

• Power often concentrates in the hands of a few leaders.
• Parties frequently do not maintain membership registers.
• Personal loyalty to leaders can overshadow loyalty to party principles.
• This concentration of power can hinder effective participation and representation.

Q6. Explain any two reasons why political parties are necessary for the functioning of a democracy. (2 Marks)
Ans: Political parties are essential for the functioning of a democracy for several reasons:

• Representation: Political parties represent various interests and views within society. They gather different opinions and present them to the government, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making.
• Accountability: Political parties hold elected representatives accountable to their constituents. They must respond to the needs and demands of the public, or risk being rejected in future elections.

Q7. What is meant by a multi-party system? Give an example of a country that follows it. (2 Marks)
Ans: A multi-party system is a political framework where multiple political parties have the opportunity to compete for power. In this system:

• Several parties can gain significant support and have a chance to form a government.
• Coalitions may form when parties join together to contest elections.
• This system allows for a wider range of interests and opinions to be represented.

An example of a country with a multi-party system is India, where various parties often collaborate in alliances, such as:

• National Democratic Alliance
• United Progressive Alliance
• Left Front

While a multi-party system can lead to political instability, it also enhances democratic representation.

Q8. Define the term ‘Defection’. How has the Anti-Defection Law addressed this issue? (2 Marks)
Ans: Defection refers to the act of changing political allegiance from the party on which a person was elected to a different party. This often occurs when elected representatives seek personal gain, such as becoming ministers or receiving financial rewards. The Anti-Defection Law was introduced to combat this issue by implementing the following measures:

• If an MLA or MP changes parties, they will lose their seat in the legislature.
• This law has significantly reduced instances of defection.
• However, it has also made dissent within parties more challenging, as members must adhere to party decisions.

Additionally, the law aims to decrease the influence of money and criminal elements in politics by requiring candidates to disclose their assets and any pending criminal cases.

Q9. Describe three major functions performed by political parties in elections and governance. (3 Marks)
Ans: Political parties play a crucial role in elections and governance by performing several key functions:

• Contest Elections: Political parties are primarily responsible for contesting elections. They select candidates to represent them, which can vary by country. For instance, in the USA, party members often choose candidates, while in India, top leaders typically make these selections.
• Formulate Policies: Parties present various policies and programmes for voters to choose from. They group diverse opinions into coherent platforms, helping to guide government policy in a democratic society.
• Legislative Role: Political parties significantly influence law-making. Most legislators belong to a party and tend to follow the party's direction during debates and votes, regardless of personal beliefs.

Q10. How are national parties different from state parties? Explain with examples. (3 Marks)
Ans: National parties and state parties differ in several key ways:

• Scope of Influence: National parties operate across the entire country, while state parties focus on specific regions or states.
• Recognition: National parties are recognised by the Election Commission if they secure at least 6% of the total votes in national elections, whereas state parties need to achieve the same in state elections.
• Examples:
  • National Party: Indian National Congress
  • State Party: Telugu Desam Party (focused on Andhra Pradesh)
• Symbol Usage: National parties are assigned unique symbols for their candidates, which are used exclusively by them.
  

Q11. Discuss any three challenges faced by political parties in contemporary India. (3 Marks)
Ans: Political parties in contemporary India face several significant challenges that affect their functioning and public perception:

• Lack of internal democracy: Many parties concentrate power in the hands of a few leaders, sidelining the voices of ordinary members. This leads to personal loyalty to leaders overshadowing commitment to party principles.
• Influence of money and muscle power: During elections, parties often rely on wealthy candidates or those with connections to powerful groups. This can result in policies that favour the interests of the rich and may even involve supporting candidates with criminal backgrounds.
• Limited voter choice: There is a noticeable decline in ideological differences among parties, making it difficult for voters to find distinct alternatives. Many parties now offer similar policies, leading to voter apathy.

Q12. What is the role of political parties in shaping public opinion and providing access to welfare schemes? Explain with examples. (5 Marks)
Ans: Political parties play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and providing access to welfare schemes. Here are some key functions they perform:

• Influencing Public Opinion: Political parties raise and highlight important issues, helping to shape the views of the public. They mobilise support and can lead movements to address societal problems.
• Access to Welfare Schemes: Parties serve as a bridge between citizens and government services. It is often easier for individuals to approach local party leaders for assistance with welfare schemes than to navigate government bureaucracy.
• Representation: Political parties represent diverse opinions and interests within society, consolidating them into coherent policies. This helps the government to formulate effective policies that reflect the needs of the populace.
• Accountability: Elected representatives from political parties are accountable to their constituents. This accountability ensures that they respond to local issues and concerns.
• Opposition Role: Parties that do not win elections act as opposition, providing checks and balances by critiquing the ruling party and offering alternative viewpoints.

For example, in India, local political parties often assist citizens in accessing government welfare schemes, making it more straightforward for individuals to receive the support they need.

Q13. Suggest and explain any four methods that can be adopted to reform political parties in India. (5 Marks)
Ans: Here are four methods to reform political parties in India:

• Preventing Defection: Amendments to the Constitution have made it illegal for elected MLAs and MPs to change parties. If they do, they lose their seat. This aims to reduce defection for personal gain.
• Public Pressure: Citizens can influence political parties through petitions, public campaigns, and protests. If parties feel they might lose public support, they may be more inclined to adopt reforms.
• Increased Participation: Encouraging ordinary citizens to join political parties can enhance democracy. Active participation can lead to better politics and help address issues within the system.
• State Funding: Providing financial support for election expenses can reduce the influence of money in politics. This funding could be in cash or in kind, based on the votes received in previous elections.