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

Answer.

The functions performed by the political parties are:

1. They contest elections.
2. They introduce various policies and programmes for the people.
3. They play an important role in decision-making to legislate and execute.
4. These parties, when successful in elections, form and run the government.
5. These parties, if they lose, become the opposition parties and play the role of criticizing the government.
6. The parties mould the public’s opinion on various issues. They can help them form an opinion and can also influence them to alter their opinion.
7. These parties help the citizenry to access the government’s policies and acts.

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

Answer.

There are some challenges that political parties have to face:

1. The lack of internal democracy – If there is a concentration of power in the hands of one or only a few ministers in the party, it gives space to internal conflicts.
2. The dynastic succession – This has been in the political parties from time immemorial. The leader of the party sets a lineage and one after another, a dynastic succession keeps taking place, which affects the chances of other ministers in the party to gauge an effective position in the party.
3. Money and muscle power – The participation of smaller regional parties is lesser due to growing prominence of muscle and money power. These powers can mostly be seen during the election period where parties’ rich candidates can gain more votes using both of these.

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

Answer.

The various reforms that a political party can take are:

1. A provision within a political party to tackle internal conflicts.
2. The 1/3rd representation in the party should be given to women candidates.
3. The parties should not promote candidates having criminal records.
4. State funding during elections should be promoted so that candidates coming from a poor background stand an equal chance to win.

4. What is a political party?

Answer.

A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for the society, with a view to promoting the collective good.

5. What are the characteristics of a political party?

Answer.

The political party has the following characteristics:

1. They have members who share the same interests in policies and programmes.
2. They seek to introduce policies which are for the welfare of the citizens.
3. There are three components – leader, active members and followers.

6. A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a _____________________.

Answer.

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

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

Answer.

8. 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

Answer.

A. Kanshi Ram

9. What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?

A. Bahujan Samaj

B. Revolutionary democracy

C. Integral humanism

D. Modernity

Answer.

D. Modernity

10. Consider the following statements on parties.

1. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
2. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
3. Parties are not necessary to run governments.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A, B, and C
2. A and B
3. B and C
4. A and C

Answer.

(b) A and B