Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)
Q1. (2010) What is a political party?
Answer: A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government. They agree on policies and programmes to promote collective good.
Q2. (2011) State any two functions of political parties.
Answer:
- They contest elections.
- They form and run governments.
Q3. (2012) Why do we need political parties in a democracy?
Answer: Political parties provide choices to people, present policies, form governments, and link citizens with the government, making democracy workable.
Q4. (2013) Distinguish between a ruling party and an opposition party.
Answer:
- Ruling party: Forms the government and takes major policy decisions.
- Opposition party: Criticises government policies and presents alternatives.
Q5. (2014) Name any two national parties of India.
Answer: Indian National Congress (INC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Q6. (2015) Mention any two regional parties of India.
Answer: Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu.
Q7. (2016) What is meant by one-party system? Give example.
Answer: When only one political party is allowed to control and run the government. Example: China (Communist Party).
Q8. (2017) Explain any two challenges faced by political parties.
Answer:
- Lack of internal democracy.
- Dynastic succession.
Q9. (2018) What is meant by regional party?
Answer: A political party that is recognised in less than four states and works at the state level. Example: Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party.
Q10. (2019) Differentiate between national and state parties.
Answer:
- National Party: Recognised in four or more states; works across the country.
- State Party: Recognised in a particular state; works at state level.
Q11. (2020) What do you mean by the term ‘defection’?
Answer: Defection means changing political party allegiance by an elected representative for personal benefit.
Q12. (2023) Mention any two reforms to strengthen political parties.
Answer:
- Compulsory to give a minimum number of tickets to women.
- State funding of elections.
Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
Q1. (2010) Explain any five functions of political parties in a democracy.
Answer:
- Contest elections.
- Form governments.
- Frame policies and laws.
- Play role of opposition.
- Shape public opinion.
Q2. (2011) Describe any five challenges faced by political parties.
Answer:
- Lack of internal democracy.
- Dynastic succession.
- Money and muscle power.
- Meaningful choice to voters often absent.
- Role of casteism and communalism.
Q3. (2012) Explain how political parties are a necessary condition for democracy.
Answer: Without parties, democracy is meaningless. They provide choices, contest elections, link government with people, and bring diverse groups together.
Q4. (2013) State five differences between a national party and a regional party.
Answer:
- Area of influence.
- Recognition by Election Commission.
- Ideological focus.
- Contest in Lok Sabha vs. State Assembly.
- Examples: BJP vs. DMK.
Q5. (2014) Suggest five reforms to strengthen political parties.
Answer:
- Law to regulate internal affairs.
- Compulsory to maintain membership registers.
- Ban on dynastic succession.
- Promote women representation.
- State funding of elections.
Q6. (2015) Why do we need political parties? Explain with five reasons.
Answer:
- Parties contest elections.
- Parties form governments.
- Opposition role.
- Provide choices to people.
- Link government and citizens.
Q7. (2016) Why are political parties called the “essence of democracy”? Explain.
Answer: Because they form governments, represent people, give alternatives, shape opinion, and make democracy function.
Q8. (2018) Explain with examples the role of regional parties in Indian politics.
Answer: Regional parties represent local issues (e.g., DMK in Tamil Nadu, TMC in West Bengal). They often join coalitions at the Centre, strengthening federalism.
Q9. (2020) Explain the importance of opposition parties in a democracy.
Answer: They check misuse of power, criticise policies, suggest alternatives, and keep democracy accountable.
Q10. (2022) “Political parties need to be reformed in India.” Justify with five suggestions.
Answer: (Same as Q5 reforms above – compulsory reforms, financial transparency, women’s participation, reducing dynastic politics, stricter defection laws).
