Class X - POLITICAL PARTIES

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Q.1. State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Ans. (i) Political parties contest elections to win the majority and form the government. They choose candidates who are popular personalities known to their voters. In India, they are chosen by the top leaders, in most countries by members of the party.

(ii) Political parties prepare their policies and programmes and make them known to the public. They make every attempt to convince the public that their programme is the best. They organise public meetings, speeches, demonstrations to gain public support. They even announce policy changes if once they are elected.

(iii) Political parties mobilise public opinion on major issues through pressure groups. They not only inform the public, they also seek its support involving problems facing the country.

(iv) Political parties play a major role in making laws for the country. No law can become a

bill unless all parties support it. Parties follow the direction given by their party leaders.

(v) Political parties form an important link between the government and the people. It is easy

for the public to approach their local leader than a government official. The local leader

has to listen to the public demand, otherwise he will lose the next election.

Q.2. What are the various challenges faced by political parties.

Ans. 1. Lack of Internal Democracy : 

(i) Every member of the party does not have a chance to take part in decision making process. (ii) Every member is not consulted before taking a decision. 

(iii) There is no proper organisation or registration of members. 

(iv) Power remains in the hands of a few top leaders, who do not consult ordinary members.

(v) Ordinary members have no information about the internal working of the party.

2. Dynastic succession : With power in the hands of a few top leaders, all party positions go to their family members. These members may not be qualified or have the ability to hold their positions. People who come from weaker sections, or have no contact with the top leaders, cannot rise to the top positions.

3. Money and Muscle Power :  Various political parties contest elections, there is competition and a lot of money is needed. Money is needed to organise demonstrations, public meetings and speeches to publicise the image of the party. Parties choose those candidates who can raise money for the party and win elections with their money. Money power is felt in older democracies like USA also.

4. Meaningful choice to others : In India, like many other countries, the fundamental issues raised by parties are the same. On the economic front, all parties have the same agenda— help the weaker sections, equity and jobs for all, etc. The only difference is the priority they will give to any problem. Voters do not have a meaningful choice. Even leaders keep changing parties, thus confusing the voter.

Q.3. Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well.

Ans. (i) A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties.

(ii) It should be mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about 1/3rd to the women candidates.

(iii)There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to support the election expenses.

Q.4. What is a political party?

Ans. A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and form the government. Its members are people who have common interests, concerns and goals. They agree on a political agenda and policies and try to convince people that their policies are best suited to the country. They put up candidates to fight elections and try to win popular support for their policies. They work for the collective interest of the society and not for a particular section of society.

Q.5. What are the characteristics of a political party?

Ans. (i) A political party has members who agree on some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote common good.

(ii) It seeks to implement the policies by winning popular support through elections.

(iii) A political party has three components : the leaders, the active members and the followers.

(iv) A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold

power in the government.

Q.6. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the

lists.

        List I                                                                          List II

1. Congress Party                                             A National Democratic Alliance

2. Bharatiya Janata Party                                   B State Party

3. Communist Party of India (Marxist)               C United Progressive Alliance

4. Telugu Desam Party                                      D Left Front

       1  2 3  4

(A) C A B D

(B) C D A B

(C) C A D B

(D) D C A B

Ans. (C)

Q7. Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?

A. Kanshi Ram                B. Sahu Maharaj

C. B.R. Ambedkar          D. Jotiba Phule

Ans. (A)

Q.8. What is the guiding philosophy of the Bhartiya Janata Party?

A. Dalit welfare                                    B. Revolutionary democracy

C. Integral humanism                            D. Modernity

Ans. (C)

Q.9. 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)