Short Intro
Political parties are an essential part of democracy. They help in contesting elections, forming governments, making laws, and representing public interests. This chapter explains the importance of political parties, different party systems, national and state parties, challenges faced by political parties, and possible reforms.
Quick Information Box
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | 10 |
| Subject | Political Science (Civics) |
| Book | Democratic Politics-II |
| Chapter | 4 |
| Chapter Name | Political Parties |
| Board | CBSE |
| Topic | Political Parties and Democracy |
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
- Meaning of Political Party
- Functions of Political Parties
- Necessity of Political Parties
- One-party, Two-party and Multi-party Systems
- National and State Parties
- Challenges to Political Parties
- Political Reforms
- Role of Opposition
- Electoral Democracy
Important Formulas
No mathematical formulas are used in this chapter. However, remember the following key definitions:
Political Party = Group of people + Common Policies + Contest Elections + Hold Power
Democracy + Political Parties = Representative Government
Question 1
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
Step-by-Step Solution
Political parties perform the following functions:
- Contest elections and select candidates.
- Present policies and programmes before voters.
- Make laws through elected representatives.
- Form and run governments.
- Act as opposition when not in power.
- Shape public opinion.
- Provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
Final Answer
Political parties contest elections, formulate policies, make laws, form governments, act as opposition, shape public opinion, and help citizens access government services.
Question 2
What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
Step-by-Step Solution
Political parties face four major challenges:
- Lack of internal democracy.
- Dynastic succession.
- Growing role of money and muscle power.
- Lack of meaningful choices for voters.
Final Answer
The major challenges are lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, influence of money and muscle power, and absence of meaningful alternatives for voters.
Question 3
Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well.
Step-by-Step Solution
Suggested reforms include:
- Conduct internal elections regularly.
- Maintain transparent membership records.
- Reserve seats for women candidates.
- Ensure transparency in party funding.
- Provide state funding of elections.
- Encourage citizen participation.
Final Answer
Political parties can be strengthened through internal democracy, transparent funding, women’s representation, state funding of elections, and active public participation.
Question 4
What is a political party?
Step-by-Step Solution
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government. They share common policies and programmes aimed at public welfare.
Final Answer
A political party is a group of people with common political views who contest elections and seek to form government.
Question 5
What are the characteristics of a political party?
Step-by-Step Solution
Characteristics:
- Organized group of people.
- Shared ideology and policies.
- Seeks political power.
- Contests elections.
- Works for public welfare.
- Consists of leaders, active members, and followers.
Final Answer
A political party has common ideology, organized structure, political goals, electoral participation, and aims to secure power for implementing policies.
Question 6
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a ____________.
Step-by-Step Solution
The definition matches a political party.
Final Answer
Political Party
Question 7
Match List I with List II
Step-by-Step Solution
- Congress Party → United Progressive Alliance (C)
- Bharatiya Janata Party → National Democratic Alliance (A)
- CPI(M) → Left Front (D)
- Telugu Desam Party → State Party (B)
Final Answer
Option (c)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1 | C |
| 2 | A |
| 3 | D |
| 4 | B |
Question 8
Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
Step-by-Step Solution
The Bahujan Samaj Party was established in 1984 by Kanshi Ram.
Final Answer
Option A – Kanshi Ram
Question 9
What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
Step-by-Step Solution
The BJP follows Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of Integral Humanism.
Final Answer
Option C – Integral Humanism
Question 10
Consider the following statements on parties.
Step-by-Step Solution
Statement A: Correct
Statement B: Correct
Statement C: Incorrect because parties are necessary for democratic governments.
Final Answer
Option (b) – A and B
Question 11
Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party?
Step-by-Step Solution
Yes, Muhammad Yunus made a positive decision because:
- It could provide an alternative political choice.
- It promotes transparency and accountability.
- It encourages democratic participation.
- It can introduce fresh leadership and ideas.
However, concerns of established parties are understandable because politics involves practical challenges and public support.
Final Answer
Yes, starting a new political party was a democratic step. It offered citizens an alternative choice and promoted good governance, transparency, and accountability.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing national parties with state parties.
- Forgetting the functions of opposition parties.
- Mixing challenges with reforms.
- Assuming political parties are unnecessary in democracy.
- Incorrectly identifying party systems.
Exam Tips
- Learn all seven functions of political parties.
- Memorize four major challenges.
- Remember examples of national parties.
- Practice MCQs from NCERT exercises.
- Use headings and points in descriptive answers.
Practice MCQs
1. Which institution registers political parties in India?
A. Parliament
B. Supreme Court
C. Election Commission of India
D. President
Answer: C
2. India follows which party system?
A. One-party system
B. Two-party system
C. Multi-party system
D. No-party system
Answer: C
3. Which party is known as the Congress Party?
A. BJP
B. BSP
C. CPI(M)
D. INC
Answer: D
4. Which challenge relates to family control in politics?
A. Internal democracy
B. Dynastic succession
C. Defection
D. Coalition politics
Answer: B
5. Which party generally criticizes the government?
A. Ruling party
B. Election Commission
C. Opposition party
D. Judiciary
Answer: C
FAQ Section
Q1. Why are political parties necessary?
They help in forming governments, making laws, and representing public interests.
Q2. What are the three components of a political party?
Leaders, active members, and followers.
Q3. What is a multi-party system?
A system where several parties compete for power and governments may be formed through alliances.
Q4. What is defection?
Changing party allegiance after being elected.
Q5. What is the biggest challenge faced by political parties?
Lack of internal democracy is considered one of the major challenges.
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