NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 4 - Political Parties

Q1: State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
Ans:  The various functions of political parties in a democracy are:

• In democracies, they contest elections
• Parties are crucial in law-making. Ruling party candidates typically form the majority in the legislature and executive, implementing laws based on their party’s policies.
• Parties form and manage governments, making key policy decisions and appointing leaders as ministers to run the government.
• Parties not in government serve as the opposition, balancing power and providing alternative opinions.
• Parties influence public opinion by raising and addressing important issues with the government.
• Party members help citizens access government schemes and are more approachable than officials, fostering support in elections.

Q2: What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
Or
Examine the main ‘challenges’ before ‘political parties.’
Ans:  Main challenges before political parties:
(i) Lack of internal democracy: Across the globe, political parties often concentrate power in a few top leaders.
(ii) Dynastic succession is related to the first one: A rule where one family governs forever without change goes against democracy.
(iii) Money and muscle power: Rich people and companies who give funds to the parties tend to have influence on the policies and decisions of the party.
(iv) No meaningful choice: Recently, ideological differences among parties have decreased globally. Parties are becoming more similar, and leaders often switch between parties, making it hard for voters to choose between distinct options. For instance, in Britain, the gap between the Labour Party and the Conservative Party is quite small.
(v) Casteism and religion: They have always been challenges. People prefer to vote for the representatives of their own caste and religion.

Q3: Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
Ans: 
(i) Internal Affairs:  A law should be made to regulate internal affairs of political parties. There should be open elections for all posts.
(ii) Women candidates: It should be mandatory to give one-third tickets to women candidates.
(iii) State funding of elections: To curb on money power, there should be state funding of elections. This funding could be in kind such as petrol or cash as decided by the parties.
(iv) Background checks: The parties should not allow candidates who have criminal records.

Q4: What is a political party?
Ans: A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. A political party has three important components:
(i) Party leadership
(ii) Party members
(iii) Party followers.
Political parties contest elections and occupy political offices to exercise political power.

Q5: What are the characteristics of a political party?
Ans:  Characteristics of a political party

• A political party is a group that joins forces to compete in elections and govern. 
• They agree on policies and programs to promote the common good. 
• Since people have different views on what’s best, parties try to show why their policies are superior. 
• They aim to implement these policies by gaining support through elections. 
• Parties represent different segments of society and reflect political divisions, so they are defined by the interests they support and the policies they advocate. 

Q6: A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a ___________.
Ans: A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a political party.

Q7: Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

Ans:

 
Q8: Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
Α. Kanshi Ram
Β. Sahu Maharaj
C. Β.R. Ambedker
D. Jotiba Phule
Ans: Α. Kanshi Ram

Kanshi Ram founded the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 1984. He established the party with the goal of representing and empowering the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society, particularly those from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. 

Q9: What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
A. Bahujan Samaj
B. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity
Ans: C. Integral humanism.

The guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is Integral Humanism, which was articulated by its founder, Deendayal Upadhyaya. This philosophy emphasizes the integration of spiritual and material progress, advocating for a balanced approach to development that respects Indian cultural values and seeks to achieve a harmonious and just society.

Bhartiya Janta Party

Q10: Consider the following statements on parties.
(a) Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
(b) Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
(c) Parties are not necessary to run governments.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B and C
(b) A and B
(c) B and C
(d) A and C
Ans: (b) A and B

Political parties often struggle with public trust due to issues like corruption and ineffective governance, and scandals involving top leaders can further damage their credibility. However, it is incorrect to say that parties are not necessary to run governments. In fact, political parties are crucial for organizing elections, forming governments, and representing diverse interests in a democratic system. 

Q11: Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
Muhammad Yunus is a famous economist of Bangladesh. He received several international honours for his efforts to promote economic and social development for the benefit of the poor. He and the Grameen Bank jointly, received the Nobel Peace Prize for the 2006. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party and contest in the parliamentary elections. His objective was to foster proper leadership, good governance and build a new Bangladesh. He felt that only a political party different from the traditional ones woxild bring about new political culture. His party would be democratic from the grassroots level.
The launching of the new party, called Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power), has caused a stir among the Bangladeshis. While many welcomed his decision, some did not like it. "Now I think Bangladesh will have a chance to choose between good and bad and eventually have a good government”, said Shahedul Islam, a government official. "That government, we hope, would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority.”
But leaders of traditional political parties who dominated the country’s politics for decades were apprehensive. “There was no debate (over him) winning the Nobel, but politics is different - very challenging and often controversial”, said a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Some others were highly critical. They asked why he was rushing into politics. “Is he being planted in politics by mentors from outside the country”, asked one political observer.
(a) Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party?
(b) Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people?
(c) How do you want this new party organised to make it different from other parties?
(d) If you were the one to begin this political party how would you defend it?
Ans: 
(a) He has made a right decision. In a democracy every citizen has a right to form political party or join a political party.
(b) No, The statements and fears expressed by various people and apprehensions of the traditional political parties are baseless. Yunus has established Grameen Bank for the welfare of the people. He knows about the welfare of the people and will be successful in politics too.
(c) The new party should be organised on democratic lines. Organisational elections should be held regularly. There should be transparency in the working of the party. Due representation should be given to all sections of the society including women and minorities.
(d) I would defend the formation of the party on the ground that in a democracy, every citizen has a right to join or form a political party of his choice.