POLITICAL PARTIES

Q1 What is a political party?

Ans. a) A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections & hold power
in the govt.
b) They agree on policies & programmes for the society to promote collective good.
c) Parties try to persuade people why their policies are better than others. They seek to
implement these policies by winning support through elections.

Q2 What are the functions of a political party?

OR
“Political parties play a major role in a democracy.” Explain
OR
Why do we need political parties ?

Ans. a) Contesting elections: In most democracies, elections are fought mainly among the
candidates put up by political parties. In India, top party leaders choose candidates for
contesting elections.
b) Forming policies & programmes: Parties put different policies & programs and the voters
choose from them. In a democracy, a large number of opinions have to be grouped together to
provide a direction in which policies can be formulated by the govts. A government is
expected to base its policies on the line taken by the ruling party.
c) Making laws: When parties come to power, they make laws for the country. Formally laws
are debated and passed in the legislature. Members of the ruling party follow the directions of
the party leaders, irrespective of their personal opinions.
d) Parties form and run govts: the policy decisions are taken by the political executive.
Parties recruit leaders,train them and then make them the ministers to run the govt.
e) Role of Opposition : 1) The parties that lose in the elections play the role of the opposition
to the parties in power.

1
 2) they voice different views and critise the govt for its failures or wrong policies.
3) they mobilize opposition to the govt.
f) Shaping Public Opinion: 1) They raise & highlight issues. 2) many of the pressure groups
are the extensions of the political parties among different sections of the society.3) Parties also
launch movements for the resolution of problems faced by the people.
g) Access to govt machinery & welfare schemes: Parties have to be responsive to people’s
needs and demands. Otherwise people can reject those parties in the next elections.

Q3 Why did political parties become so omnipresent in democracies all over the world?
Ans. a) Political parties are easily one of the most visible institutions in a democracy. For most
ordinary citizens democracy is equal to political parties.
b) Some people in the remote areas may not know about the Constitution or about the govt but
chances would be that they would know about the political parties.
c) This visibility does not mean popularity. Most people tend to be very critical of political
parties. They tend to blame parties for all that is wrong with our democracy and our political
life.

Q4 Why can modern democracies not exist without political parties? OR “Political parties are a
necessary condition for a democracy.” Explain.
Ans. a) We can understand the necessity of political parties by imagining a situation without parties
.Every candidate in the elections will be independent. So no one Will be able to make any
promises to the people about any major policy changes.
b) Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency for what they do in the
locality. But no one will be responsible for how the country will be run.
c) India also has non-party based elections to the panchayats in many states. Although, the
parties do not contest formally ,it is noticed that the village gets split into more than one
faction (group), each of which puts up a panel of its candidates. This is what the party does.
That is why we find political parties in almost all

2
 countries of the world.
d) The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative
democracies. Large societies need some agency to gather different views on various issues &
to present these to the govt.
e) Some ways are needed to bring various representatives together so that a responsible
government is formed. They needed a mechanism (agency/method) to support the govt, make
policies or to oppose them. Political parties fulfill these needs that every representative govt
has. Thus we can say that parties are a necessary condition.

Q5 Why are political parties linked to the emergence of representative democracies?

Ans. Above points d & e (Split into 3 points)
Q6 Describe the one party system. What are its merits & demerits?
Ans. a) In some countries ,only one-party is allowed to control and run the govt. (eg China only
communist party is allowed to rule)
MERITS:

1) There is unity & discipline in the country.

2) Time is not wasted in unnecessary criticism & propaganda.
3) It helps in the establishment of stable govts.

DEMERITS:

a) The electoral system in one party system does not permit free competition for power. This
is not a good option as this is not a democratic option.
b) Any democratic system must allow at least 2 parties to compete in elections & provide a
fair chance for the competing parties to come to power.
c)There is no freedom of expression. Political & Social freedoms are also crushed.

3
Q7 What do you understand by the Bi-Party system/ Two-Party system? Write the merits &
demerits of Bi-Party system.
Ans. a) In some countries power usually changes between two main parties.
b) The two main parties have a serious chance of winning majority of seats to form the govt.
c) Examples: USA & UK has two- party system.

MERITS;
a) STABILITY & EFFICIENCY OF THE GOVT : The ruling party has to implement the
promises it makes as it is under constant check by the opposition. This results in the efficiency
of the govt. Long term policies are successfully carried out & the govt is able to last its full
term bringing stability.
b) PRESENCE OF STRONG OPPOSTION PARTY: As power alternates in the hands of 2
parties, the opposition party is a govt. in waiting. It keeps a check on the ruling party by
various methods liking asking questions in question hour.
c) CLEAR CUT CHOICE FOR THE VOTERS: They can decide on the party they wish to
vote & the ideology they need for the support.
DEMERITS:
a) There is a possibility of cabinet dictatorship.
b) There is limited choice of electorate.
c) As the party enjoys a majority in the legislature, it can get tyrannical laws passed very
easily.

Q8 What do you understand by Multi-Party System? Write the merits and demerits of Multi party
system.

Ans. a) If several parties compete for power& more than two parties have a reasonable chance of
coming to power on their own strength or in alliance with Others, we call it a multi party
system. India has a multi party system.

4
 b) When several parties join hands for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power,
it is called an alliance or a front. Eg NDA , UPA, Left Front.

MERITS
1) This system allows a variety of interests & opinions to enjoy political representation.
2) Dictatorship of the cabinet is not possible as the aligned parties keep a check on the
majority party.
3) It ensures greater freedom of choice for the electorate.
DEMERITS
1) It often appears to be very messy & leads to political instability.
2) There is indefiniteness of policy due to rapid changes in the govt. With the change of govt.,
the policy also changes.
3)Such a system encourages corruption, unethical( immoral) alliances & comprising on
ideologies.

Q9 How does a country choose a party system?

Ans. a) Party system evolves over a long time, depending on the nature of society, its social &
regional divisions, its history of politics and its system of elections.
b) These cannot be changed very quickly. Each country develops a party system that is
conditioned by its special circumstances.
c) India has evolved a multi party system, it is because the social & geographical diversity in
such a large country is not easily absorbed by two or even three parties.

Q10 What do you understand by National political parties?

Ans. a) Parties that are present in several or all units of the federation are some country wide parties
are called national parties.They have their units in various states too. All these units follow the
same policies, programmes and strategy at the national level.

5
 b) Every party has to register with the Election Commission. Commission offers some special
facilities to large & establishes parties .These parties are given a unique symbol. Parties that
get this & other special facilities are ‘recognised’ by election commission. That is why they
are called recognized political party.
c) The Election Commission has laid down the criteria of the proportion of votes & seats that
a party must get to become a recognised party.
d) A party that secures at least 6 % of the total votes in the Lok Sabha elections or Assembly
elections in 4 States & wins atleast 4 seats in the Lok Sabha is recognized as a national party.
Eg Congress party, BJP, BSP etc.

Q11 Write the ideology of the following parties:-

Ans. A) INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS: Founded in 1885 .
1) A centrist party in its ideology.
2) supports secularism & favours the welfare of weaker sections & minorities
3) Supports new economic reforms.
B) BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY(BJP):- Founded in 1980.
1) Wants to build a strong and modern India by drawing inspiration from India’s ancient
culture & values.
2) Wants full territorial & political integration of Jammu & Kashmir with India.
3) A uniform civil code for all people living in the country irrespective of religion, & ban on
Religious conversions.
C) BAHUJAN SAMAJ PARTY (BSP):- Founded in 1984.
1) Seeks to represent & secure power for the dalits, adivasis, OBCs & religious minorities.
2) draws inspiration from the ideas & teaching of Sahu Maharaj, B R Ambedkar, Mahatma
Phule etc.
3) stands for the welfare of the dalits and oppressed people.
D) COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA-MARXIST (CPI-M) :- Founded in 1964
1) Believes in Marxism-Leninism

6
 2) supports socialism, secularism & democracy & opposes imperialism & communalism.
3) Accepts democratic elections for securing the objective of socio-economic justice.
E) COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA (CPI):- Formed in 1925
1) Believes in Marxism-Leninism, secularism & democracy.
2) opposed to the forces of secessionism (break away/withdrawing) & communalism.
3) Accepts parliamentary democracy as a means of promoting the interests of the working
class, farmers & poor.
F) NATIONALIST CONGRESS PARTY (NCP):- Formed in 1999
1) Supports democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity (impartial), social justice & federalism.
2)Wants that high offices in govt be confined to natural born citizens of the country.

G) All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) launched on 1st January 1998 Leader Mamata
Banerjee. Recognised as a National Party in 2016.Symbol is flowers and grass. Has been in
power in West Bengal since 2011. Has presence in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura.
In 2014 General Elections , it got 3.84% votes and won 34 seats , making it 4 th largest party in
the Lok Sabha.
1) Committed to secularism and federalism.

Q12 What are State Parties/ Regional Parties?

Ans. a) A party that secures at least 6 % of the total votes in the Legislative Assembly elections of a
State & wins at least 2 seats is recognized as State Party.
b) Other than national parties, most of the major parties are classified by Election Commission
as ‘State Parties’. These parties need not be regional in their ideology. Some these parties are
all India parties that happen to succeeded in some states .Eg Samajwadi Party, Samata Party
have national level organization also. Some parties like Biju Janata Dal, Mizo National Front
have only State identity.
c) The number & strength of these parties has expanded. This has made the Parliament more

7
 & more diverse. No one national party is able to secure on its own a majority in Lok Sabha.
As a result, the national parties are forced to form alliances with State parties. Since 1996,
nearly every one of the state parties has got an opportunity to be a part of the national level
coalition govt. This has strengthened federalism & democracy in our country.

Q13 What conditions should be fulfilled by to be a national political party or to be regional/state

political party?
Ans. National Political party:- A party that secures at least 6 % of the total votes in the Lok Sabha
elections or Assembly elections in 4 States & wins atleast 4 seats in the Lok Sabha is
recognized as a national party. Eg Congress party, BJP, BSP etc.
State Political party:- A party that secures at least 6 % of the total votes in the Legislative
Assembly elections of a State & wins at least 2 seats is recognized as State Party.

Q14 How have state/regional parties contributed in the strengthening of federalism & democracy
in India?

Ans. a) The number & strength of these parties has expanded. This has made the Parliament more
& more diverse.
b) No one national party is able to secure on its own is able to secure a majority in Lok
Sabha. As a result, the national parties are forced to form alliances with State parties. Since
1996, nearly every one of the state parties has got an opportunity to be a part of the national
level coalition.
c) They have safe guarded regional autonomy.

Q15 Write the differences between National Parties and Regional/ State Parties.

Ans. NATIONAL PARTIES REGIONAL PARTIES

8
 1. A party that secures at least 6 % of
votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly
elections in 4 states and wins at least
4 seats in the Lok Sabha is recognized
as national party.
1. A party that secures at least 6% of the
votes in an election to the Legislative
Assembly of a State and wins at least 2
seats is recognized as a State party.

2. These parties have their units in 2. These parties have their units in only
various states. But by and large these one or some of the states.
units follow the same policies,
programmes and strategy that is
decided at the national level

3. They work for national interests & 3. They protect and promote exclusive
issues such as insurgency, import of regional interests. The DMK for
capital, foreign policy, defence etc. instance has been a defender of
Dravidian culture.
4. They aim at harmonizing many 4. Regional parties usually stand for
conflicting regional interests . They greater autonomy for states hence some
foster the spirit of national parties may even promote regionalism.
integration.
5. DMK, Telegu Desam, Asom Gana
5. Eg Indian National Congress, BJP, Parishad, etc.
CPI etc.

Q16 What are the various challenges faced by political parties? OR “All over the world, people
express their dissatisfaction with the failure of political parties to their functions well.”
Analyse this statement.

9
Ans. a) LACK OF INTERNAL DEMOCRACY ( “Lack of internal democracy within parties is
the major challenge to political parties all over the world”. Analyse this statement.)
Ans. 1. Parties do not keep membership registers, do not hold organizational meetings & do
not conduct internal elections.
2. Ordinary members do not get sufficient information on what happens inside the party.
3.They do not have the means of connections needed to influence the decisions.
4. The leaders assume greater power to make decisions in the name of the party.
5. Since one or few leaders exercise the power in the party, those who disagree with the
leadership find it difficult to continue in the Party.
b) DYNASTIC SUCCESSION (“Dynastic succession is a challenge in political
parties.”Comment. OR Why do you think transparency is needed in democracy?)
Ans. 1) Since most political parties do not practice open and transparent procedures for their
functioning there are very ways for an ordinary worker to rise to the top in a party.
2) Those who happen to be the leaders are in a position of unfair advantage to favour people
close to them or even their family members.
3) The top positions are always controlled by members of one family. This is unfair to other
members of that party & is also bad for democracy, Since people who did not have experience
or popular support occupied the positions.

c) MONEY & MUSCLE POWER (How do money & muscle power play an important role
in elections?)
Ans 1) Parties tend to nominate those candidates who have or can raise lots of money.
2) Rich people & companies who give funds to the parties tend to have influence on the
policies & decisions of the party.
3) Parties support criminals who can win elections.
d) MEANINGFUL CHOICE ( Is it true that meaningful choice is not given to the voters ?)
Ans 1) In order to offer meaningful choice, parties must be different. But in recent years
there has been a decline in the ideological differences among parties in most parts of the

10
 world. Example in Britain the difference between the Labour party & Conservative party is
very little. They agree more on fundamental aspects but differ on how policies are to be
framed & implemented.
2) In our country too, the differences among all the major parties on the economic policies
have reduced. Those who want different policies have no option available to them.
3) Sometimes people cannot even elect different leaders, because the same set of leaders keep
shifting from one party too another.

Q17 “Serious efforts were being made by the legal organizations to reform political parties in
India.” Support this statement OR Suggest the measures taken in recent times to reform
political parties.

Ans. a) ANTI DEFECTION LAW The Constitution was amended to prevent elected MLAs &
MPs from changing parties. This was done because many elected representatives were getting
into Defection in order to become ministers. Now the law says that if any MLA or MP
changes parties, he or she will lose the seat. MPs& MLAs have to accept whatever the party
leaders decide.
b) AFFIDAVIT The Supreme court passed an order to reduced the influence of money &
criminals. Now, it is mandatory for every candidate who contests elections to file an Affidavit
giving details of his property & criminal cases pending against him.This system has made a
lot of information available to the public. But there is no system to check if the information
given is true.
c) ORGANISATIONAL ELECTIONS The Election Commission passes an order making it
necessary for political parties to hold their organizational elections & their income tax returns.
Q18 Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well.

Ans. a) REGULATE THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS: It should be made compulsory for political
parties to maintain a register of its members, to follow its own Constitution, to have an

11
 independent authority, to act as a judge in case of party disputes, to hold open elections to the
higher posts.
b) MINIMUM NUMBER OF TICKETS: It should be made mandatory for political parties
to give a minimum no of tickets, about one-third, to women candidates. There should be quota
for women in the decision making.
c) STATE FUNDING OF ELECTIONS: The govt should give parties money to support
their election expenses. This can be given in kind of petrol, paper, telephone etc. Or can be
given in cash on the basis of the votes secured by the party in the last elections.
There are two other ways to reform political parties:
d)PEOPLE’s PRESSURE: People can put pressure on political parties through petitions,
agitations. Ordinary citizens, pressure groups, media can play an an important role.
e) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION : Political parties can improve if those who want to join the
political parties. The quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation. It is
difficult to reform politics of ordinary citizens do not participate in it & simply criticize it
from outside.
( If 3 Marks question is given then first 3 points are very (IMPORTANT))

Q19 What are the characteristics of a political party?

Ans. a) Political Party is an organized body. Each party has its own organization.
b) They hold similar views on political, social & economic problems facing the country.
c) It has a general ideological identity. For example, a party may be a leftist or rightist party.
d) They agree on policies & programmes for the society with a view to promote the collective
good.
e) They do not aim at promoting any sectional interest, it works to promote the national
interest.

Q20 How has multi-party system strengthened in India? Explain.

Ans. a) As the govt formed is a coalition govt. , it prevents the dictatorship of the cabinet. The

12
various constituents in the govt act as a check on each other.
b) It ensures greater freedom & choice to the electorate. The choice is not limited to just or
three parties.
c) The social & geographical diversity in India cannot be easily absorbed by two or even three
parties. Multi party system gives political representation to various communities, different
shades of opinion. This has strengthened democracy in India.

13