CHAPTER 3.

6
Political Parties

ONE MARK QUESTIONS a. Marxist Forward Bloc

b. Trinamool Congress
10. If all the decisions of a political party are made by
1. Why is one party political system not considered a
a single family and all other members are neglected,
good democratic system?
then what challenge is being faced by that party?
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
Ans : [CBSE 2015]
Because one party system has no democratic option
Challenge of dynastic succession.
2. Why did India adopt multi-party system?
11. Why do political parties involve partisanship?
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
Ans : [CBSE 2015]
India adopted multi-party system because:
Because the parties are a part of the society and thus
a. India is a large country and has social and
they involve partisanship.
geographical diverges.
b. It is easy to absorb different social and geographical
diversities in a multi¬party systems.
3. Name the alliance formed by the Congress Party.
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
4. Which party was the principal opposition party in
Lok Sabha in 2004? [CBSE 2016]
Ans :
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
5. Name any one political party that has national level
political organization but not recognized as the
national political party. THREE MARKS QUESTIONS
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
Samajwadi Party/Samata Party/Rashtriya Janata 12. The Bahujan Samaj Party stands for what cause?
Dal. Ans : [CBSE 2011]
6. What is meant by ‘Political Party’ ? [CBSE 2015] Securing the interest of the oppressed people.
Ans : 13. Analyse the three components of a political party.
A political party is a group of people come together Ans : [CBSE 2016]
to contest elections to hold power in the government. or
7. What is the guiding philosophy of Bharatiya Janata Describe the three components of a political party.
Party? Ans : [CBSE 2014]
Ans : [CBSE 2015] Three components of a political party are:
a. Cultural nationalism a. Leaders
b. India’s ancient culture and values b. Active members
c. Followers
8. What is the requirement laid down by the Election
Commission for a political party to be recognized as a 14. What is meant by a ‘national political party’ ? State
’State Party’ ? [CBSE 2015] the conditions required to be a national political party.
Ans : Ans : [CBSE 2016]

A party that secures at least six percent of the total National political party have units in the various
votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a states, they follow the same policies, programmes and
state and wins at least two seats is recognized as a strategy that is decided at the national level.
state party. Conditions required:
a. A party that secures at least 6% of the total votes
9. Name any two regional parties of West Bengal. in general elections of Lok Sabha or assembly
Ans : [CBSE 2015] elections in four states.
Two regional parties of West Bengal are: b. Wins at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha.
15. What is a political party ? State any two points of the Main features of two-party system:
ideology of Bharatiya Janta Party? a. Power usually changes between two parties,
Ans : [CBSE 2016] several other parties may exist.
A political party is a group of people who come together b. In such system, people get clear choice,
to contest elections and hold power in the government. c. The party that wins majority forms the
They agree on some policies and programmes for the government and the other sits in opposition.
society with a view to promote the collective good. d. Strong opposition is good for democracy.
Ideology of BJP: e. Prompt decisions are taken and implemented.
a. Wants full territorial and political integration of f. More development and less corruption.
Jammu and Kashmir with India. 21. What is a multi-party system? Why has India adopted
b. A uniform civil code for all people living in the a multi-party system? Explain.
country irrespective of religion. Ans : [CBSE 2015]
c. Cultural nationalism. Multi-party system: If several parties compete for
16. Describe about the ideology and organization of power and more than two parties have a reasonable
Bahujan Samaj Party. [CBSE 2016] chance of coming to power either on their own strength
Ans : or in alliance with others, we call it a multiparty
system.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was formed in 1984
India adopted a Multi-party system because:
under the leadership of Kanshi Ram. Its main aim
a. There is social and geographical diversity in India.
is that it seeks to represent and secure power for the
b. India is such a large country which is not easily
Bahujan Samaj which includes the dalits and adivasis,
absorbed by two or three parties.
OBCs and religious minorities.
c. The system allows a variety of interests and
17. What is meant by regional political party? State the opinions to enjoy political representation.
conditions required to be recognized as a ‘regional
22. How ‘do money and muscle power play an important
political party’. [CBSE 2016]
role in elections? Explain.
Ans :
Ans : [CBSE 2015]
A regional party is a party that is present in only Money and muscle power play an important role in
some states. elections because:
Conditions required for a party to be recognized as a a. Role of money and muscle power in parties
regional political party are: especially during elections is growing.
a. A party that secures at least six percent of b. Parties tend to nominate those candidates who
the total votes in an election to the Legislative have or can raise lots of money.
Assembly of a state. c. Rich people and companies who give funds to the
b. Wins at least two seats in the Legislative Assembly. parties tend to have influence on the policies and
18. “Nearly every one of the state parties wants to get decisions of the party.
an opportunity to be a part of one or the other d. In some cases, parties support criminals who can
national level coalition.” Support the statement with win election.
arguments. e. Democrats all over the world are worried over the
Ans : [CBSE 2016] increasing role of rich people and big companies in
democratic politics. (Any three)
State parties seeking national level coalition: Before
general election of 2014, in three general elections no 23. “Serious efforts were made by the legal organizations
one national party was able to secure on its own a to reform political parties in India.” Support the
majority in Lok Sabha. With the result, the national statement.
parties were compelled to form alliances with state or Ans : [CBSE 2015]
regional parties. Since 1996, nearly every one of the Efforts made by the legal organizations to reform
state parties has got an opportunity to be a part of one political parties in India:
or the other national level coalition government. This a. To check defection, the Constitution was amended
has contributed to the strengthening of federalism and to prevent elected MLA’s and MPs from changing
democracy. parties.
19. Which three challenges do you feel are being faced by b. The Supreme Court passed an order to reduce
political parties in India ? Give your Opinion. the influence of money and criminal, by making it
Ans : [CBSE 2016] mandatory to produce an affidavit giving details
of property and criminal cases pending.
The three challenges faced by political parties in India
c. The Election Commission passed an order making
are:
it necessary for political parties to hold their
a. Lack of internal democracy.
organizational election and file their income tax
b. Challenge of dynastic succession.
returns.
c. Growing role of money and muscle power.
d. Often parties do not seem to offer a meaningful 24. Name any six ‘regional political parties’ of the four
choice to the voters. southern states of India’ [CBSE 2014]
20. Describe any three main features of Two-Party system. Ans :
Ans : [CBSE 2015] Tamil Nadu—AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida
 Munnetra Kazhagam), DMK Indian National Congress.
Andhra Pradesh—Telugu Desam, Four features of this party are listed below:
Kerala—Congress (Joseph) a. Founded in 1885.
Puducherry—AINRC (All India N. R. Congress) b. Dominated Indian politics, both at the national
25. Name the ‘regional political parties’ that are and state levels, for several decades after India’s
predominant in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha independence.
respectively with their symbols. [CBSE 2014] c. Ruling party at the centre till 1977 and then from
1980 to 1989. After 1989, its support declined.
Ans :
d. A centrist party (neither rightist nor leftist) in its
Jharkhand—JMM—Jharkhand Mukti Morcha ideological orientation.
Maharashtra—INC—Indian National Congress
Odisha—BJD—Biju Janata Dal.
FIVE MARKS QUESTIONS
26. State the conditions as laid down by the Election
Commission to recognize a ‘state party1 and ‘national
party’. [CBSE 2014] 29. Describe any five major functions of political parties
performed in a democracy.
Ans :
Ans : [CBSE 2018]
The difference between a state and a national party
can be identified as follows: Ans :
a. In a state party, the party members aim to In a democracy political parties performed the
highlight the regional interests. On the other following major functions:
hand, a national party gives due importance to 1. Parties contest elections: In most democracies,
national interests. elections are fought mainly among the candidates
b. A state party can contest in elections only in a put up by political parties. Parties select their
particular state, whereas a national party can candidates in different ways. In India top party
contest in elections all across the country. leaders choose candidates for contesting elections.
c. Example: BJP and Congress are national parties, 2. Parties put forward different policies and
whereas Akali Dal and Trinamool Congress are programmes and the voters choose from them. In
state level parties. a democracy, a large number of similar opinions
have to be grouped together to provide a direction
in which policies can be formulated by the
governments. A government is expected to base
its policies on the line taken by the Ruling party.
3. Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a
country. Formally laws are debated and passed
in the legislature. But since most of the members
belong to a party, they go by the direction of the
party leadership, irrespective of their person ’
opinions.
4. Parties form and run governments. Parties recruit
leaders, train them and then make them ministers
27. What is meant by ‘defection’ in democracy? Explain. to run the government in the way they want.
5. Those parties that lose in the elections play the
Ans : [CBSE 2014]
role of opposition to the parties in power by
a. Detection in politics means moving of a person voicing different views and criticising government
from one party to another party for some personal for its failure or wrong policies.
benefit. It means changing party allegiance from 6. Parties shape public opinion. They raise and
the party on which a person got elected to a highlight issues. Parties sometimes also launch
different part movements for the resolution ,of problems faced
b. It happens when a legislature, after having been by people. Often opinions in the society crystallise
elected from a particular party leaves it and joins on the lines parties take.
in other party. 7. Parties provide people access to government
c. The Constitution was amended to prevent elected machinery and welfare schemes implemented by
MLA’s and MP’s from changing parties. Now governments.
the law says that if any MLA and MP changes
parties, he or she will lose seat in the legislature. 30. Examine any two institutional amendments made by
d. The new law has brought defection down and has different institutions to reform political parties and
made dissent even more difficult. their leaders. [CBSE 2016]
or
28. Name the national political party which espouses Elucidate some of the recent efforts taken in our
secularism and welfare of weaker sections and country to reform political parties and its leaders.
minorities. Mention any four features of that party.
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
Ans : [CBSE 2013]
a. The Constitution was amended to prevent elected
The national political party which espouses secularism MLA’s and MP’s from changing parties. This
and welfare of weaker sections and minorities is the
 was done because many elected representatives 4. The government may be formed but its utility will
were indulging in defection in order to become remain uncertain.
ministers or for cash rewards. Now, if any MLA 5. Elected representatives will be accountable
or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the seat to their constituency for what they do in their
in the legislature. locality.
b. The Supreme Court passed an order to reduce 6. But no one will be responsible for how the country
the influence of money and criminals. Now, it will run. .
is mandatory for every candidate who contests 7. The role of opposition party in a democracy
elections to file an affidavit giving details of his necessitates the existence of political parties.
property and criminal cases pending against him. 8. As societies become large and complex they
The new system has made a lot of information also need some agencies to gather different
available to the public. But there is no system of views on various issues and to present these to
check, if the information given by the candidates the government, that’s why political parties are
is true. needed.
c. The Election Commission passed an order making 33. “All over the world, people express their dissatisfaction
it necessary for political parties to hold their with the failure of political parties to perform their
organizational elections and file their income tax functions well.” Analyse the statement with arguments.
returns.
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
d. The parties have started doing so but sometimes
it is mere formality. It is not clear if this step Popular dissatisfaction and criticism has focused on
has led to greater internal democracy in political four areas in the working of political parties. Political
parties. parties need to face and overcome these challenges in
order to remain effective instruments of democracy.
31. Suggest and explain any five measures to reform a. Lack of internal democracy within parties.
political parties. [CBSE 2016] b. Dynastic succession.
or c. Growing role of money and muscle power in
Suggest any five effective measures to reform political parties.
parties. d. There is not a meaningful choice to the voter.
Ans : [CBSE 2015,2012]
34. “No party system is ideal for all countries and all
Effective measures to reform political parties are : situations.” Justify the statement with arguments.
a. A law should be made to regulate the internal
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
affairs of political parties.
b. It should be made compulsory for political parties No party system is ideal for all countries and all
to maintain a register of its members. situations:
c. It should be made mandatory for political parties a. Party system is not something, any country can
to give a minimum number of tickets; about l/3rd choose.
to its women candidates. b. It evolves over a long time depending on the
d. There should be a quota for women in the decision nature of the society.
making bodies of the party. c. Its social and regional divisions, its history of
e. There should be state funding of elections. politics and its system of elections.
f. The government should give parties money d. Each country develops a party system that is
to support their election expenses in kind, for conditioned by its special circumstances.
example, petrol, paper, telephone, etc., or in cash. 35. What is meant by a political party? Describe the three
g. Vote casting should be made compulsory in each components of a political party.
election. Ans : [CBSE 2015]
h. Data regarding caste and religion, OBC, SC, ST
Political Party is a group of people who came together
should not be utilized during election period in
to contest elections and hold power in the government.
any form.
Three components of a political party are:
32. “Political parties are a necessary condition for a a. The leaders
democracy.” Analyse the statement with examples. b. The active members
[CBSE 2016] c. The followers
or
36. Describe any five major functions of political parties.
Why can’t modern democracies exist without the
political parties? Explain any four reasons. Ans : [CBSE 2015]

Ans : [CBSE II, 2015, 2011] Functions of political parties:

a. Parties contest elections.
“Political parties are a necessary condition for a
b. They put forward policies and programmes.
democracy” because:
c. Parties play a decisive role in making laws.
1. Without political parties, democracies cannot
d. Parties form and run government.
exist.
e. Defeated parties in the election play its role of
2. If we do not have political parties; in such a
opposition to the parties in power.
situation every candidate in elections will be
f. Parties shape public opinion.
independent.
g. Parties provide people access to government
3. No one will be able to make any promises to the
machinery and welfare schemes.
people about any major policy changes.
37. “Lack of internal democracy within parties is the b. They criticise government for its failure and
major challenge to political parties all over the world.” wrong policies.
Analyse the statement. c. They mobilise opposition to the government.
Ans : [CBSE 2016, 2015] 41. How do political parties help in shaping public
There are various reasons for lack of democracy within opinion? Explain. [CBSE 2012]
the political parties in India: Ans :
a. Concentration of power in one or few leaders at
Role of political parties in shaping public opinion as:
the top.
a. They raise and highlight issues.
b. Details of membership are not registered in the
b. They form pressure groups as an extension.
parties.
c. They launch movement for the resolution of
c. No organizational meetings.
problems faced by the people.
d. No internal elections for membership within the
d. They have lakhs of members and activists.
party.
e. Top leaders have unanimous power of decision 42. What do you understand by the bi-party system?
making. Write its one merit and one demerit.
38. “Dynastic succession is one of the most serious Ans : [CBSE 2012]
challenges before the political parties.” Analyse the Bi-party system:
statement. a. In some countries, power usually changes between
Ans : [CBSE 2015] two main parties. It is also known as two party
system.
Dynastic succession is one of the most serious
b. In this system, the government is formed by one
challenges before the political parties because:
party and the other plays the role of opposition.
a. Most political parties do not practice open and
Merit: This system allows stability of government as
transparent procedures for their functioning.
no coalition is there. Demerit: In this system, only
b. There are few ways for an ordinary worker to rise
two main parties have a serious chance of winning
to the top in a party.
majority seats to form the government.
c. In many parties, the top positions are always
controlled by members of one family. 43. What is a multi-party system? Explain merits and
d. This practice is unfair to other members of that demerits of multi-party system.
party and is also bad for a democracy. Ans : [CBSE 2012]
e. People who do not have adequate experience If several parties compete for power and more than
or popular support come to occupy position of two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to
power. power either on their own strength or in alliance with
39. Name the national political party which gets others, we call it a multi-party system.
inspiration from India’s ancient culture and values. Merits:
Mention four features of that party. a. This system allows a variety of interests and
Ans : [CBSE 2013] opinions to enjoy political representation.
b. People can make a choice between several
‘Bharatiya Janata Party’ (BJP) gets inspiration from
candidates.
India’s ancient culture and values.
Demerits:
Four important features:
a. No one party is likely to gain power alone.
a. Cultural nationalism or ‘Hindutva’ is an important
Therefore, it leads to difficulty in formation of
element in its conception of Indian nationhood
government. ‘
and politics.
b. Leads to political instability and often appears to
b. The party wants full territorial and political
be very messy.
integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
c. A uniform civil code for all people living in 44. What is meant by national parties? State the criteria
the country irrespective of religion and ban on for recognizing a party as National and State party.
religious conversions. Ans : [CBSE 2012]
d. Its support base increased substantially in the Democracies that follow a federal system all over the
1990s. world tend to have two kinds of political parties—
40. Explain two functions each of the ruling party as well Parties that are present in only one of the federal units
of the opposition parties. and parties that are present in several or all units of
Ans : [CBSE 2012] the federation. Those parties which are countrywide
parties are called national parties.
Functions of the ruling parties:
National and State Parties:
a. They play a major role in making laws for the
a. A party that secures at least six percent of
country.
the total votes in an election to the Legislative
b. They form the government and run the country.
Assembly of a state and wins at least two seats is
c. They recruit leaders, train them and then make
recognized as a state party.
ministers to run the government.
b. A party that secures at least six percent of the
Functions of the opposition parties:
total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly
a. They oppose the government by voicing different
elections in four states and wins at least four seats
views.
in the Lok Sabha is recognized as a national party.
45. Explain any four problem areas in the working of
political parties.
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
a. Lack of internal democracy: The first challenge
is lack of internal democracy within parties.
Concentration of power in one or few leaders at
the top.
b. Dynastic succession: Favour people close to them
or even their family members. In many parties, the
top positions are always controlled by members
of one family.
c. Money and muscle power: The third challenge is
about growing role of money and muscle power in
parties, especially during elections.
d. Meaningful choice: The fourth challenge is that
very often parties do not seem to offer a meaningful
choice to the voters.
46. Why is there a lack of internal democracy within the
political parties in India? Explain with examples.
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
There are various reasons for lack of democracy within
the political parties in India:
a. Concentration of power in one or few leaders at
the top.
b. Details of membership are not registered in the
parties.
c. No organizational meetings.
d. No internal elections for membership within the
party.
e. Top leaders have unanimous power of decision
making.
47. “Political parties play a major role in democracy.”
Explain any five points to justify this statement.
[CBSE 2012]
or
“Political parties are rightly called the government
in disguise.” Justify the statement in reference to
democratic politics by giving five arguments.
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
The political parties play an important role in
democracy as:
1. Parties contest election: In most democracies
elections are fought mainly among the candidates
put up by political parties.
2. Parties put forward different policies and
programmes and the voters choose from them.
3. Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a
country.
4. Parties shape public opinions. They raise and
highlight issues.
5. Parties form and run governments.
6. Role of opposition: Opposition role is important
in democracy as it voices different views and
criticizes government for its failures or wrong
policies.
7. Parties provide people access to government
machinery and welfare schemes implemented by
governments.