Political Parties – Class 10 CBSE Board Exam

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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.

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Q2. (2011) State any two functions of political parties.
Answer:

1. They contest elections.
2. They form and run governments.

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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.

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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.

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Q5. (2014) Name any two national parties of India.
Answer: Indian National Congress (INC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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Q6. (2015) Mention any two regional parties of India.
Answer: Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu.

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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).

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Q8. (2017) Explain any two challenges faced by political parties.
Answer:

1. Lack of internal democracy.
2. Dynastic succession.

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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.

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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.

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Q11. (2020) What do you mean by the term ‘defection’?
Answer: Defection means changing political party allegiance by an elected representative for personal benefit.

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Q12. (2023) Mention any two reforms to strengthen political parties.
Answer:

1. Compulsory to give a minimum number of tickets to women.
2. State funding of elections.

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Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

Q1. (2010) Explain any five functions of political parties in a democracy.
Answer:

1. Contest elections.
2. Form governments.
3. Frame policies and laws.
4. Play role of opposition.
5. Shape public opinion.

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Q2. (2011) Describe any five challenges faced by political parties.
Answer:

1. Lack of internal democracy.
2. Dynastic succession.
3. Money and muscle power.
4. Meaningful choice to voters often absent.
5. Role of casteism and communalism.

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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.

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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.

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Q5. (2014) Suggest five reforms to strengthen political parties.
Answer:

1. Law to regulate internal affairs.
2. Compulsory to maintain membership registers.
3. Ban on dynastic succession.
4. Promote women representation.
5. State funding of elections.

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Q6. (2015) Why do we need political parties? Explain with five reasons.
Answer:

1. Parties contest elections.
2. Parties form governments.
3. Opposition role.
4. Provide choices to people.
5. Link government and citizens.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).