These AP 10th Class Social Important Questions Political Science 4th Lesson Political Parties will help students prepare well for the exams.
Political Parties AP 10th Class Social History 4th Lesson Important Questions
AP 10th Class Social History 4th Lesson Important Questions: 8 Marks
Question 1.
“Political parlies are a necessary condition for a democracy”. Analyse the statement. A. Political parties are necessary condition for a democracy.
If political party don’t exist then :
- Every candidate in the elections will be independent.
- No one will be able to make any promise to the people about any major policy changes.
- The government may be formed, but its utility will remain ever uncertain.
- Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency for what they do in the locality.
- No one will be responsible for how the country will be run.
- Political parties are important for representative democracies as they bring representatives together to form the govt.
- It consists of people seeking to achieve their objectives through constitutional means and aims at promoting national interest.
Question 2.
Analyse the role of a multiparty system in a democratic country like India.
Answer:
India is the country with the largest number of political 19 parties in the world. The roles of the multiparty system are as follows:
- The party acts as a channel to meet the expectations and redress the grievances of different groups and people.
- It helps with the representation of all groups or sections of society.
- It provides opportunities for citizens to have as many choices as possible.
- It is helpful in creating open and constructive criticism of government policies and acts.
- It strengthens the federal fabric of the Indian political system and is more sensitive to regional demands.
- It reduces the tyranny of government.
Question 3.
Explain any five major functions of the political parities.
Answer:
- Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country. Laws are debated and ‘passed in the Legislature.
- Important policy decisions are taken by political executives that come from political parties.
- Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power by voicing different views and criticising the government for its failures.
- Political parties raise and highlight issues. Sometimes they launch movements for the resolution of problems faced by people.
- They provide people with access to government machinery and welfare programmes. For an ordinary citizen, it is much easier to approach a local party leader than a government officer.
Question 4.
Describe the role of political parties in India.
Answer:
- Parties contest elections.
- Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose from them.
- Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country.
- Parties form and run governments.
- Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power, by voicing different viev/s and criticising government for its failures or wrong policies.
- Parties shape public opinion.
- Parties provide people access to government, machinery and welfare schemes implemented by governments.
- Any other relevant point.
Question 5.
Examine any five major challenges faced by the political parties in India.
Answer:
The challenges faced by political parties are as under
1) Lack of internal democracy: AH over the world, there is a tendency in political parties towards the concentration of power in few hands at the top. Most of the parties do not have accountability, .they do not hold its routine organisational meetings, fail to conduct their internal elections regularly.
2) No Integrity: Personal loyalty to the lender becomes more important than the loyalty to party policies and principles.
3) Dynastip succession: The top leaders, are in a position of unfair advantage to favour people close to them or their family members. In many parties, the top positions are always controlled by members of one family.
4) Muscle power: Parties use shortcuts to win elections. They tend to nominate those candidates who have or can raise lots of money. Rich people and companies who provide funds to the parties tend to have an influence on the policies and decisions of the party.
5) Lack of meaningful choice to the voters: Across the world, parties do not seem to offer a meaningful choice to the voters. Due to decline in the ideological -differences among parties thereby reducing choice to voters in most parties of the world. For example, the difference between the Labour Party and the Conservative Party in Britain is very little.
Question 6.
“Political parties play an important role in democratic countries.” Justify the statement.
Answer:
Political Parties : They play an important role in democratic countries:
1) A political party is a group of people who follow an ideology and come together to contest elections cind run the government.
2) Each political party has a local leader who interacts with people, hears their demands, and promises to carry them out. Thus, they play an important role in building a relationship between the people and the government.
3) Contesting elections: In democracies, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put up by political parties.
4) To form and run the government: The governments are formed and run by political parties. The representatives of the government are the members of different political parties.
5) Unstable government: The government may be formed, but its life will remain ever uncertain. Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituencies for what they did to the locality.
6) Formation of policies: Political parties play an important role by making important decisions, such as forming much-needed laws and policies, after participating in legislative debates on the subject.
Question 7.
Describe the necessity of political parties in democratic countries.
Answer:
The importance of a political party in democracy can be understood from the given points:
1) Political party acts as a link between government and masses.
2) Political parties discuss the problems of the state, the working and failure of the government and give suggestion for the upliftment of masses.
3) The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies. As society became larger and complicated, they also need some agency to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government.
4) Political parties from and run governments. Various political leaders are assigned different ministries to carry out the task of governance.
5) Elected” representatives make promises regarding major policies for different sections of society, irrespect ive of sex, race, religion, etc.
Question 8.
Describe major functions of political parties performed in a democracy.
Answer:
The functions of Political Parties:
1) Political parties put forward candidates to contest elections. These candidates may be chosen by the top leaders or by members of the party.
2) Political parties play a major role in making laws for the country. No law can become a bill unless majority parties support it.
3) Parties put forward their policies and programmes for voters to choose from them. A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the ruling party.
4) Parties shape public opinion. They raise and highlight issues. Parties also launch movements for the resolution of the problem faced by the people.
5) Political parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes. It is easy for the public to approach their local party leader than a government officer.
Question 9.
‘There are various reforms taken to strengthen parties in India so that they peform their functions well.” Explain the statement with examples.
Answer:
Some reforms taken to strengthen parties in India so that they can perform their function well, are:
ANTI DEFLECTION LAW:
Deflection refers to changing party alliance from the party on which one get elected to another party.
- The law was changed in order, to prevent MPs and MLAs from changing party aliance to become ministers for cash rewards.
- Any MP or MLA who changes party alliance loses his/her seat in the legislature.
- While this has strengthened democracy it has also made decent more difficult.
AFFIDAVIT:
- Affidavit is a signed document submitted to an officer in which the person makes a sworn made statement regarding his/ her personal information.
- The Supreme Court passed an order makingjt compulsory for the elected representative to file an affidavite, stating their educational qualifications and the criminal cases fending against them.
- This has promoted transparency as well as reduced the influence of money and crime in politics.
INCOME TAX:
An order was passed to make it compulsory for parties to hold their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.
INTERNAL AFFAIR REGULATION: Political parties must,
- maintain a register of their members.
- have their own formal constitution
- act as a judge in case of internal disputes.
- have an independent authority.
- hold open and transparent elections to the highest posts.
RESERVATION: About one third seats should be reserved for women candidates. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT: The governments should provide support to parties for election campaigns in cash or kind.
PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION: People can helf strengthen political parties by
- protests and rallies
- Joining parties themselves.
Question 10.
Describe efforts made to reform political parties in India.
Answer:
Efforts have been made and further efforts should be made for the reforms of political parties in India. These are as follows:
- The constitution was amended to prevent MLAs and MPs from changing parties to stop defection. This law known as anti-defection law.
- The Supreme Court passed an order to reduce the influence of money and criminals for active participation in fighting MLA/MP elections.
- It become mandatory for every candidate who contests elections to file an affidavit giving details of his property and criminal cases pending against him.
- The Election Commissioner makes it necessary for political parties to hold their organizational elections and file their income tax returns.
- The cash donations to political parties have been reduced to ?2000. All cheque payments/transfer of money have to be shown in every party’s balance Sheets.
- The new system has made parties a amountable to the public regarding elections.
Question 11.
Evaluate the differences between the national and regional parties and assess the requirements for a regional party to become a national party.
Answer:
National Party:
- It deals with national-level issues and is influential in the whole nation.
- It gives more preference to national issues over regional problems.
Regional party:
- It has limited influence and is powerful only in a specific region or state. They discuss the issues and demands of a specific region.
- The operations of regional parties are confined to the country or the state In which they work, focusing on local issues.
The requirements for a regional party to become a national party are:
- It should get a 6% vote share in the last assembly elections in any four states and four seats in the last Lok Sabha polls.
- It should have gotten 2% of all Lok Sabha seats in the last election, and these seats should be from at least four states.
- For example: BJP, Congress, etc.
Question 12.
What are the main obstacles preventing political parties from reforming?
Answer:
The main obstacles preventing political parties from reforming are:
1) Lack of internal democracy within parties, with power concentrated in few leaders.
2) Dynastic succession, where leaders favor family members for top positions, preventing ordinary workers from rising to power.
3) Growing role of money and muscle power in parties, leading to the nomination of candidates with financial resources and influence on party decisions.
4) Parties not offering a meaningful choice to voters due to a decline in ideological differences and the same set of leaders shifting from one party to another.
5) Resistance to external pressure for reform, as political parties may not willingly undertake changes that they do not agree with.
6) Over-regulation of political parties, which can lead to evasion and cheating of the law, making it difficult to implement effective reforms.
Question 13.
How do coalitions of political parties work and how do politicians manage them?
Answer:
- Politicians manage coalitions of political parties by forming alliances and partnerships with other parties.
- Coalitions are formed to gain a majority in the government and have the power to make policies and decisions.
- In India, where there are multiple parties, politicians need to navigate complex relationships and negotiations to form a stable coalition.
- Coalition building involves bargaining, compromising, and finding common ground on policy issues.
- The leaders of the coalition parties often hold strategic positions in the government, such as ministers, to ensure representation and power sharing.
- Coalitions require constant communication and coordination among party, members to maintain the unity and stability of the government.
- Political leaders need to build trust and maintain strong relationships with allies in order to successfully manage coalitions and address any conflicts or disagreements that may arise.
Question 14.
What strategies can be employed to make a new political party different from other existing parties?
Answer:
Strategies to make a new political party different from existing parties:
- Foster internal democracy within the party.
- Maintain transparency and accountability.
- Establish a law to regulate the internal affairs of the party.
- Implement a quota for women in party decision-making bodies.
- Advocate for state funding of elections.
- Encourage public participation and engagement.
- Address the challenges of dynastic succession and promote meritocracy.
- Promote ideological differences to offer a meaningful choice to voters.
- Advocate for good governance and transparency as a core party objective.
Question 15.
How can defection be addressed in political parties?
Answer:
1) Implement a law that prevents elected MLAs and MPs from changing parties, ensuring that they lose their seat in the legislature if they do so.
2) Pass an order by the Supreme Court or an independent authority to reduce the influence of money and criminals in politics.
3) Require every candidate to file an affidavit giving details of their property and criminal cases pending against them.
4) Make it necessary for political parties to hold their organizational elections and file their income tax returns.
5) Pass a law to regulate the internal affairs of political parties, including maintaining a register of members, following its own constitution, and holding open elections to the highest posts.
6) Implement a mandatory quota for women candidates, both in terms of party tickets and decision-making bodies.
7) Consider state funding of elections, providing parties with resources such as petrol, paper, telephone, or cash based on the votes they secure.
8) Encourage public pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity, and agitations.
9) Increase public participation by joining political parties and actively contributing to their reform
Question 16.
Can you define a political party and explain its characteristics?
Answer:
- A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
- The main characteristics of a political party are:
- Partisanship: Political parties are marked by a tendency to take a side and promote their policies over others.
- Ideology: Parties have a set of beliefs and values that guide their policies and actions.
- Organization: Parties have leaders, active members, and followers who work together to achieve their political goals.
- Contesting elections: Parties participate in electoral politics to win popular support and form governments.
- Formulating policies: Parties put forward different policies and programs for voters to choose from.
- Government formation and policy-making: Parties form and run governments, make laws, and shape public opinion.
- Opposition role: Parties that lose in elections play the role of opposition, critiquing the government and voicing different views.
- Public participation: Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by governments.
- Divisive nature: Parties reflect political divisions in society and can lead to social and political partitions.
- Trust and criticism: Political parties often face low levels of trust and criticism – for not performing their functions well.
Question 17.
How can political parties be reformed to address the problem of bad politics?
Answer:
Political parties can be reformed to address the problem of bad politics in the following ways:
1) Greater internal democracy: Parties should ensure membership registers, hold organizational meetings, and conduct regular internal elections.
2) Transparency and accountability: Political parties should maintain a register of members, follow their own constitution, and have an independent authority to resolve party disputes. They should also hold open elections for top posts.
3) Increased representation: parties should strive to give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to women candidates and have a quota for women in decision-making bodies.
4) State funding of elections: The government should provide support to political parties in the form of funds or resources to cover their election expenses.
5) Pressure on political parties: Ordinary citizens, pressure groups, movements, and the media can play a crucial role by putting pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity, and agitations. This can create a public demand for reforms and encourage parties to take them seriously.
6) Public participation: Citizens can actively participate in politics by joining political parties and contributing to their functioning. The quality of democracy depends On the degree of public participation, and more and better politics can help solve the problem of bad politics.
Question 18.
What are some suggestions for regulating the internal affairs of political parties?
Answer:
1) Enact a law to regulate the internal affairs of political parties, including maintaining a register of members, following their own constitution, and holding open elections to the highest posts.
2) Make it mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets to women candidates and introduce a quota for women in the decision-making bodies of the party.
3) Implement state funding of elections, where the government provides parties with resources like petrol, paper, telephone, or cash based on the votes secured in the last election.
4) Encourage public pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity, and agitations, as well as active participation of citizens, pressure groups, movements, and the media.
5) Be cautious about over-regulating political parties, as it may lead to circumventing the law. parties need to be willing to accept reforms and public support for change is crucial.
AP 10th Class Social Political Science 4th Lesson Important Questions: 4 Marks
Question 1.
What are the main functions of a political party ?
Answer:
Functions:
- To contest elections
- Forming policies and programmes
- Forming policies and programmes
- Form and run the government
- To play an active role of opposition
- Shaping public opinion
- Access to government machinery and welfare schemes
Question 2.
When was Communist Party of India (Marxist) formed ? Mention the ideologies of the party.
Answer:
- CPI – M – Party was founded in 1964.
- The party believes in Marxism and’Leninism.
- It supports socialism, secularism and democracy and opposes imperialism and communalism.
- The party accepts democratic elections as a useful and helpful means for securing the objectives of socio-economic justice in India.
- The party is critical of the new economic policies that allow free flow of foreign capital and goods into the country.
Question 3.
Write a short note on Indian National Congress party.
Answer:
- It is one of the oldest parties of the world.
- Congress party was founded in 1885.
- Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru the party sought to build a modern secular democratic republic in India.
- A centrist party in its ideological orientation, the party espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities.
- Supports new economic reforms but with a human face.
Some important political parties in India
All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) : Launched on 1 January 1998 under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. Recognised as a national party in 2016 The party’s symbol is flowers and grass. Committed to secularism and federalism. Has been in power in West Bengal since 2011. Also has a presence in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura. In the General Elections held in 2019, it got 4.07 per cent votes and Won 22 seats, making it the fourth largest party in the Lok Sabha.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Formed in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram. Seeks to represent and secure power for the Bahujan Samaj which includes the dalits, adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities. Draws inspiration from the ideas and teachings of Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker and Babasaheb Ambedkar. Stands for the cause of securing the interests and welfare of the dalits and oppressed people.
It has its main base in the state of Uttar Pradesh and substantial presence in neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Punjab. Formed government in Uttar Pradesh several times by taking the support of different parties abdifferent times. In the Lok Sabha elections held in 2019, it polled about 3.63 per cent votes and secured 10 seats in the Lok Sabha.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Founded in 1980 by reviving the erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh, formed by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951. Wants ‘ to build a strong and modern India by drawing inspiration from India’s ancient culture and values; and Deendayal Upadhyaya’s ideas of integral humanism and Antyodaya. Cultural nationalism (or ‘Hindutva’) is an important element in its conception of Indian nationhood and politics.
Wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India, a uniform civil code for all people living in the country irrespective of religion, and ban on religious conversions. Its support base increased substantially in the 1990s. Earlier limited to north and west and to urban areas, the party expanded its support in the south, east, the northeast and to rural areas. Came to power in 1998 as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) including several regional parties. Emerged as the largest party with 303 members in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Currently leads the ruling NDA government at the Centre.
Communist Party of India (CPI): Formed in 1925. Believes in Marxism- Leninism, secularism and democracy. Opposed to the forces of secessionism and communalism. Accepts parliamentary democracy as a means of promoting the interests of the working class, farmers and the poor. Became weak after the split in the party in 1964 that led to the formation of the CPI(M).
Significant presence in the states of Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Its support base had gradually declined over the years. It secured less than 1 per cent votes and 2 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Advocates the coming together of all left parties to build a strong left front.
Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M): Founded in 1964. Believes in Marxism-Leninism. Supports socialism, secularism and democracy and opposes imperialism and communalism. Accepts democratic elections as a useful and helpful means for securing the objective of socioeconomic justice in India.
Enjoys strong support in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura, especially among the poor, factory workers, farmers, agricultural labourers and the intelligentsia.
Critical of the new economic policies that allow free flow of foreign capital and goods into the country. Was in power in West Bengal without a break for 34 years. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, it won about 1.75 per cent of votes and 3 seats.
Indian National Congress (INC) : Popularly known as the Congress Party. One of the oldest parties of the world. Founded in 1885 and has experienced many splits. Played a dominant role in Indian politics at the national and state level for several decades after India’s Independence. Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the party sought to build a modern secular democratic republic in India. Ruling party at the centre till 1977 and then from 1980 to 1989.
After 1989, its support declined, but it continues to be present throughout the country, cutting across social divisions. A centrist party (neither rightist nor leftist) in its ideological orientation, the party espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities. The INC supports new economic reforms but with a human face. Leader of the’United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2004 to 2019. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, it won 19.5% votes and 52 seats.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) : Formed in 1999 following a split in the Congress party. Espouses democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity, social justice and federalism. Wants that high offices in government be confined to natural born citizens of the country.
A major party in Maharashtra and has a significant presence in Meghalaya, Manipur and Assam. A coalition partner in the state of Maharashtra in alliance with the Congress. Since 2004, a member of the United Progressive Alliance. In 2019 Lok Sabha election, it won 1.4% votes and 5 seats.
Regional parties in India :
Question 4.
Analyse the role of political parties in shaping public opinion.
Answer:
- Political parties raise and highlight issues.
- Parties have lakhs of members and activists spread all over the country.
- Parties sometimes also launch movements for the resolution of problems faced by people.
- Opinions in the society crystallise on the lines parties take.
Question 5.
Analyse the role of political parties in making laws in India.
Answer:
- A party reduces a vast multitude of opinions into a few basic positions which it supports.
- A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the ruling party.
- Formally laws are debated and passes in the legislature.
- Most of the members belong to one or another party.
Question 6.
How is one-party system different from two-party system? Explain with examples. (OR) Differentiate between one party and two party system.
Answer:
| One – Party System | Two – Party System |
| 1) When only one party is allowed to control and run the government. | 1) When only two main parties have serious chance of winning a majority of seats to form a government. |
| 2) It is non-democratic system. | 2) It is democratic system. |
| 3) For example, in China only the Communist party is allowed to rule. | 3) The United States of America and the United Kingdom are example of a two – party system. |
Question 7.
Differentiate between ruling and opposition parties.
Answer:
Differences between ruling and opposition parties:
| Ruling Political Party | Opposition Political Party |
| 1) The party which wins the majority of seats in the election is known as ruling party | 1) The party which is not able to get th majority of seats is known as the opposition party. |
| 2) This political party has power and forms the government. | 2) This is party or parties fails to form government. It conduct the most import function of criticism of the working ruling party. |
| 3) It is responsible for governance and administration of the country. | 3) It checks the government from assum dictatorial power. |
Question 8.
Analyze the need of Political Parties in the Democracy.
Answer:
- Democracies cannot exist without political parties.
- If we do not have political parties, every candidate will be independent.
- As societies expand and become more complicated, they also require organisations to collect multiple points of view and present them to the government.
- The government may be formed, but its utility will remain uncertain.
- No one will be able to make any promises to people about major policy changes.
Question 9.
Examine the role of Political Parties in a democratic country.
Answer:
Political parties take part in democratically conducted elections.
- They provide a platform for public debates and the articulation of different opinions.
- They shape public opinion by raising various issues and continuously propagating them among the masses.
- They play a decisive role in lawmaking.
- They put forward different policies and programmes for the voters to choose from.
- They also play the role of the opposition party, which is essential to keeping checks and balances in a democracy.
Question 10.
What is meant by regional political party? State the conditions required to be recognised as a regional“political party.
Answer:
Regional Political Party exists, operates and functions at the regional level. It gives prominence to regional issues, specific problems of the region and it has influence on the people of that region. It lays more stress on regional culture identify, which it wants to preserve and promote. Conditions required to be recognised as a regional political party are:
- Party should have polled at least 6% valid votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly.
- Party has reached in at least three states in last general election.
- Party had won at least two seats in Legislative Assembly elections.
Question 11.
Name the six National Political Parties in India in chronological order.
Answer:
Six National Political Parties on the basis of their foundation are:
- Indian National Congress (1885)
- Communist Party of India (1925)
- Communist Party of India-Marxist (1964)
- Bharatiya Janata Party (1980)
- Bahujan Samaj Party (1984)
- National Congress Party (1999)
Question 12.
How can political parties be reformed?
Answer:
- Reforms can be initiated by putting pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity, and agitations.
- Ordinary citizens, pressure groups, movements, and the media can play a significant role in this process.
- Political parties can be improved if individuals who want change actively join them and participate in party activities.
- The quality of democracy can be enhanced through increased citizen participation and better politics.
Question 13.
What is the level of popular participation and trust in political parties in India?
Answer:
- Trust in political parties is generally low among people in India and in many other democracies around the world.
- However, the level of participation in political parties is significant and has been increasing in India.
- Proportion of those who say they are members of a political party is higher in India compared to advanced countries like Canada, Japan, Spain, and South Korea.
- Over the last three decades, the proportion of those who report being members of political parties in India has been on the rise.
Question 14.
How many parties are required for a democracy?
Answer:
- Political parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.
- The number of major or effective parties required for a democracy may vary depending on the country.
- One-party systems are not considered democratic options as they do not allow free competition for power.
- Two-party systems, where power primarily changes between two main parties, are common in some countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Democracies that follow a federal system, like India, tend to have national parties that are present in various states.
Question 15.
How can the participation of women be increased in political parties?
Answer:
- Implement a quota system that requires political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to-women candidates.
- Encourage and support the formation of women’s wings or organizations within political parties.
- Create awareness and promote the importance of women’s participation in ’ political parties through campaigns and education programs.
- Provide training and resources to women interested in joining political parties, helping them build necessary skills and networks.
Question 16.
Describe the functions of political party.
Answer:
The functions of political party are given below:
- The running political party, plays an important role in making the laws of the country.
- Parties campaign for themselves during the election process.
- Parties contest election through their candidates and these candidates are chosen by the top leaders or by 22 the members of the party.
- A political party is a link between the government and the people.
- The people can easily approach the local leader than the government official.
Question 17.
Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
| The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies. As we have seen, large societies need representative democracy. As societies became large and complex, they also needed some agency to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government. They needed some ways, to bring various representatives together so that a responsible government could be formed. They needed a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them. Political parties fulfill these needs that every representative government has. We can say that parties are a necessary condition for a democracy. |
Question 1.
Explain the meaning of a ‘political party’.
Answer:”
A political party is a group of people who come together to contests election and hold power in govt.
Question 2.
“The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies.” Support this statement.
Answer:
It helps in formulation of public opinion contest election, form govt or play role of opposition.
Question 18.
Why are political parties a necessary condition for a democracy? Explain.
Answer:
- Political parties present the representation of people who take decision on their behalf by sitting in the govt, bodies.
- As societies become large, they need some agency to gather views and present to the government. Political parties play a major role in it.
AP 10th Class Social Political Science 4th Lesson Important Questions: 2 Marks
Question 1.
Define a National party and a Regional (state) party with example.
Answer:
National party : A party that secures at least six percent of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four states and wins atleast four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognised as a national party. Ex : Congress Party.
Regional party : A party that secures at least six percent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a state and wins at least two seats is recognised as a state party. Ex : TDP party.
Question 2.
What are challenges faced by political parties in India ?
Answer:
Challenges
- Lack of internal democracy
- Dynastic succession
- Use of money and muscle power
- Not providing meaningful choice to the voter
Question 3.
Analyse the three components of a political party ?
Answer:
Three elements of a political party.
- The leaders : The leaders contest elections and if they win, perform the administrative jobs.
- The active members : The active members attend party meetings and are close to the party leaders. They can be called the assistants of the leaders.
- The followers : The followers are the dedicated workers of the party. They work under the able guidance of the active members.
Question 4.
Why did India adopt multi-party system?
Answer:
- Due to its huge socio-cultural diversity, varying geography and due to its huge population with different religions, India adopted multi-party system.
- It is not possible to accommodate such variations in one single party. So, there are multiple parties present in India.
Question 5.
What is the role of political parties in democracies?
Answer:
- Political parties play a crucial role in forming governments, making policies, and holding those in power accountable.
- They gather different views on various issues and present them to the government.
Question 6.
How does defection affect political parties in India?
Answer:
- Defection refers to changing party allegiance after getting elected.
- In India, a law has been passed that states any MLA or MP who changes parties will lose their seat in the legislature, reducing the occurrence of Defection.
Question 7.
Are political parties in India transparent in their functioning?
Answer:
- Most political parties in India do not practice open and transparent procedures for their functioning.
- It can lead to favoritism for members of a particular family or unfair advantage for party leaders.
Question 8.
Are politicians in democracies only motivated by making money?
Answer:
- While sortie politicians may be motivated by personal gain, it isn’t true that all politicians contest elections solely to make money.
- There are politicians committed to the well-being of the people.
Question 9.
Which three challenges do you feel are being faced by political parties in India? Give your opinion.
Answer:
Political parties face the following challenges:
- Lack of internal democracy: Parties do not conduct internal regular elections, organisational meetings are not conducted, and they do not maintain a register of the membership.
- Money and muscle power: Candidates who can raise money are nominated, such powers are visible during the time of elections.
- Dynastic succession: Leaders on top have the unfair chance of favouring their families and friends, thus the top positions end up being controlled by families.
Question 10.
Why are political parties considered a necessary condition for a democracy?
Answer:
- Political parties gather different views on various issues and present them to the government.
- They bring representatives together to form a responsible government.
- They support or restrain the government, make policies, and justify or oppose them.
- They hold those in power accountable.
Question 11.
How many parties should a democracy have?
Answer:
- The number of parties in a democracy may vary, but they should be sufficient to provide a choice to the voters.
- In India, they have a multiparty system, with numerous political parties existing at the national and state levels.
- The nature of party systems differs based on the circumstances of each country.
Question 12.
What are the opinions and concerns of traditional political party leaders regarding Professor Yunus entering politics?
Answer:
- Traditional political party leaders were apprehensive about Professor Yunus entering politics.
- They felt that politics is challenging and often controversial.
- Some critics questioned whether Professor Yunus was being planted .in politics by external mentors.
- The opinions and concerns of traditional political party leaders regarding Professor Yunus entering politics are mixed.
AP 10th Class Social Political Science 4th Lesson Important Questions: 1 Mark
Question 1.
What are the main components of a political party ?
Answer:
- The leaders
- The active members and
- The followers
Question 2.
What is the source of inspiration of the Bhartiya Janata Party ?
Answer:
The source of inspiration of BJP is Ancient Indian Culture and values and Hindutva.
Question 3.
What is a recognised political party ?
Answer:
A party which is recognised by Election Commission with all the privileges and facilities.
Question 4.
Difference between a pressure group and a political party.
Answer:
| Pressure group | Political party |
| It is an organised or unorganised body that seeks to promote its interests. | It is a body that seeks to attain political power by contesting elections. |
Question 5.
Why did India adopt multi-party system ? Give reasons.
Answer:
India adopted multi-party system because :
- India is a large country and has social and geographical diversities.
- It is easy to absorb different diversities in a multi-party system.
Question 6.
Mention the ideology of Indian National Congress.
Answer:
- The Congress party propagates secularism and welfare of the weaker sections and . minorities of society.
- It supports new economic reforms but with a human face.
Question 7.
What do you understand by partisan ?
Answer:
A person who is strongly committed to a party, group or faction.
Question 8.
What do you understand by “partisanship” ?
Answer:
It is marked by a tendency to take a side and inability to take a balanced view on an issue.
Question 9.
What is the role of opposition in a democracy ?
Answer:”
Opposition parties voice different views and criticise the government for its failures or wrong policies.
Question 10.
What is an “alliance” or a front ?
Answer:
When several parties in a multi-party system join hands for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power, it is called an alliance or a front.
Question 11.
Why do larger societies need representative democracy ?
Answer:
- As societies became large and complex, they also need some agency to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government.
- They need some ways to bring various representatives together so that a responsible government can be formed.
Question 12.
Why are parties a necessary condition for a democracy ?
Answer:
- People need a mechanism to support or restrain the govt., make policies, justify and oppose them.
- Political parties fulfil all these needs. So, we can say that parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.
Question 13.
What is one party system ?
Answer:
In some countries, only one party is allowed to control and run the government. It is called one party system. Eg : China
Question 14.
What is a Bi-party system (two-party) ?
Answer:
- The some countries, power usually changes between two main parties.
- Such a party system is called bi-party system. Ex : UK and USA.
Question 15.
What is a multi-party system ?
Answer:
If several parties compete to power and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others, we call it is a multi-party system. Ex: India.
Question 16.
Name three major alliances of India.
Answer:
- The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed by BJP.
- The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) formed by Congress.
- Left Front formed by Communist Parties of India.
Question 17.
How does a country choose a party system ?
Answer:
It evolves over a long time, depending on the nature of a society, its social and regional divisions, its history of politics and its system of elections.
Question 18.
What is defection ?
Answer:
Changing party allegiance from the party on which a person got elected (to a legislative body) to a different party.
Question 19.
What is Ruling party ?
Answer:
Political party that runs government. (Or) The party*which is in power.
Question 20.
Assertion (A) : Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people in South Asia.
Reason (R) : Political parties are one of the least trusted institutions all oyer the world.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is faise. – D) A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Question 21.
Assertion (A) : India has a multiparty system.
Reason (R) : It is because of the social and geographical diversities in India
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false. D) A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
A)Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 22.
Assertion (A) : Political parties play a major role in making laws for the country.
Reason (R) : No law can become a bill unless majority parties support it.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
A)Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 23.
Assertion (A): Nationalist Congress Party was formed in 1999.
Reason (R) it is a major party in Maharashtra and demands for Gandhian secularism, democracy, social justice and federalism.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
B)Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Question 24.
Assertion (A) : The constitution was amended to prevent elected MLA’s and MP’s from changing parties.
Reason (R) : It should be mandatory for political parties to give 1/3rd tickets to women candidates.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
B)Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Question 25.
Assertion (A) : Only those parties that are recognised as national parties can contest elections for the union level.
Reason (R) : Recognition to a political party as a national party is accorded by the Election Commission.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
D) A is false, but R is true.
Question 26.
Which one of the following is a public interest group ?
A) BAMCEF
B) Railway Employees Union of India
C) Sarafa Bazar Union
D) Merchant’s Union
Answer:
A) BAMCEF is made up of government employees. It works towards social justice in society. It also aims for social equality in society. Human rights organisation is also an example of public interest group.
Question 27.
Why were traditional political party leaders in Bangladesh apprehensive about someone entering politics?
Answer:
Traditional political party leaders were apprehensive about someone entering politics because it posed challenges and controversy.
Question 28.
Which of the following statements is correct keeping the requirement of formation of government in view.
Statement i : It is possible for independent candidates to form & government. Statement ii : Government formation is exclusively reserved for political parties. Statement iii : The formation of government is limited to only elected political parties.
Statement iv : Government can only be formed by political parties that are elected and hold a majority.
A) Statement i and ii are right.
B) Statement i, ii and iii are right.
C) Statement iii is right.
D) Only statement iv is right.
Answer:
D) Only statement iv is right.
Question 29.
Which one of the following countries has two party system?
A) China
B) Russia
C) America
D) India
Answer:
C) America
Question 30.
Which of the following States is ruled by a regional party?
A) Haryana
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Odisha
D) Rajasthan
Answer:
C) Odisha
Question 31.
Which one of the following countries adopted multi-party system?
A) USA
B) India
C) China
D) United Kingdom
Anwer:
B) India
Question 32.
Which one among the following countries has a two-party system?
A) United Kingdom
B) China
C) Indo-China
D) Japan
Answer:
A) United Kingdom
Question 33.
Match the following political parties with their corresponding alliances or fronts:
A) Congress Party 1) National Democratic Alliance
B) Bharatiya Janata Party 2) United Progressive Alliance
C) Communist Party of India (Marxist) 3) Left Front
D) Telugu Desam Party 4) State party
Answer:
A – 2,
B – 1,
C – 3,
D – 4
Question 34.
Match the following guiding philosophies with their corresponding political parties:
A) Bahujan Samaj 1) Congress Party
B) Revolutionary democracy 2) Bharatiya Janata Party
C) Integral humanism 3) Communist Party of India (Marxist)
D) Modernity 4) Telugu Desam Party
Answer:
A-4
B-3,
C-2,
D-1
Question 35.
The following questions consist of two statements – Assertion (A) and Reason (R) Answer these questions selecting the appropriate option given below:
Assertion : Political parties are necessary for the functioning of a democracy. Reason : Political parties gather different views, form governments, make
policies, and hold those in power accountable.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true.
Answer:
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 36.
The following questions consist of two statements – Assertion (A) and Reason (R) Answer these questions selecting the appropriate option given below:
Assertion : Political parties in democracies often face challenges related to the
misuse of money and muscle power.
Reason : The participation of citizens in politics can help overcome these . challenges.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true.
Answer:
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 37.
The following questions consist of two statements – Assertion (A) and Reason (R) Answer these questions selecting the appropriate option given below:
Assertion : Political parties can be reformed through legal solutions and external
pressure from, citizens, pressure groups, and the media.
Reason : Over-regulation of political parties can have counterproductive effects.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true.
Answer:
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 38.
The following questions consist of two statements – Assertion (A) and Reason (R) Answer these questions selecting the appropriate option given below:
Assertion : People’s participation in political parties is essential for the improvement of democracy.
Reason : The quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation in politics.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true.
Answer:
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 39.
Arrange the following functions of political parties in the correct sequence:
A) Gather and present different views on various issues to the government
B) Form a responsible government
C) Make policies.
D) Support or restrain the government
E) Hold those in power accountable
Answer:
A, D, B, C, E
Question 40.
Arrange the following challenges faced by political parties in the correct sequence:
A) Dynastic succession
B) Lack of transparent procedures for party functioning
C) Growing role of money and muscle power
D) Lack of meaningful choice for voters
Answer:
B, A, C, D
Question 41.
Arrange the following suggestions for political party reform in the correct sequence:
A) Pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity, and agitations
B) Improvement through increased public participation in politics
C) Replacing party leaders through elections
D) Joining political parties to bring about change from within
Answer:
A, B, C, D
Question 42.
What do the available surveys reveal about trust and participation in political parties in India?
Answer:
Trust in political parties is low, but participation is high.