Question 1

State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Accepted Answer

Political parties contest elections, present policies and programmes, make laws through elected representatives, form and run governments, and act as opposition by scrutinising those in power. They shape public opinion through campaigns and movements and connect citizens with government machinery and welfare schemes.

Question 2

What are the various challenges faced by political parties?

Accepted Answer

Parties face weak internal democracy, with power concentrated among a few leaders and little transparent membership or consultation. Dynastic succession gives relatives unfair advantage. Money and muscle power influence nominations and campaigns, sometimes linking parties with wealthy interests or criminals. Parties may also offer voters little meaningful choice when major parties adopt similar policies or legislators frequently shift allegiance.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Parties should maintain transparent membership registers, hold regular internal elections, follow written constitutions and disclose finances and candidate selection. More opportunities should go to women and ordinary members rather than families or wealthy entrants. Existing laws on defection, candidate affidavits and organisational elections require enforcement, though excessive state regulation may be counterproductive. Citizens, media and movements can pressure parties through petitions and campaigns, and reform-minded people can join parties and change them from within.

Question 4

What is a political party?

Accepted Answer

A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government, agreeing on policies and programmes intended to promote a collective view of public good.

Question 5

What are the characteristics of a political party?

Accepted Answer

A party has leaders, active members and followers; a shared set of policies or broad ideological direction; an organisation that nominates candidates and campaigns; and the aim of gaining political power through elections to implement its programme.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

political party

Question 7

Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?

Accepted Answer

A. Kanshi Ram

Question 8

What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?

Accepted Answer

C. Integral humanism

Question 9

Consider the following statements on parties. A. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people. B. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders. C. Parties are not necessary to run governments. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

(b) A and B

Question 10

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below: Muhammad Yunus is a famous economist of Bangladesh. He received several international honours for his efforts to promote economic and social development for the benefit of the poor. He and the Grameen Bank that he started jointly, received the Nobel Peace Prize for the year 2006. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party and contest in the parliamentary elections. His objective was to foster proper leadership, good governance and build a new Bangladesh. He felt that only a political party different from the traditional ones would bring about new political culture. His party would be democratic from the grassroots level. The launching of the new party, called Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power), has caused a stir among the Bangladeshis. While many welcomed his decision, some did not like it. “Now I think Bangladesh will have a chance to choose between good and bad and eventually have a good government,” said Shahedul Islam, a government official. “That government, we hope, would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority.” But leaders of traditional political parties who dominated the country’s politics for decades were apprehensive. “There was no debate (over him) winning the Nobel, but politics is different – very challenging and often controversial,” said a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Some others were highly critical. They asked why he was rushing into politics. “Is he being planted in politics by mentors from outside the country,” asked one political observer. Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party? Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people? How do you want this new party organised to make it different from other parties? If you were the one to begin this political party, how would you defend it?

Accepted Answer

Launching a party is a legitimate attempt to turn ideas about good governance into electoral choice, though success in development work does not automatically provide political skill. Supporters reasonably hope for cleaner leadership; critics are also entitled to test his independence and programme, but suspicion alone is not evidence. To be different, the party should hold internal elections, publish accounts and donations, select candidates transparently, reserve meaningful roles for women and marginalised groups, and allow grassroots members to shape policy. I would defend it by publishing its constitution and finances, accepting public scrutiny and arguing that democracy improves when citizens organise rather than merely criticise established parties.