NCERT Class 10 Political Science Chapter 4 ‘Political Parties’ Questions and Answers

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Chapter 4 of NCERT Class 10 Political Science, “Political Parties,” explores the role of political parties in democracy, their functions, challenges, and the need for reforms. It highlights the significance of national and state parties in India and emphasizes the importance of internal democracy and transparency within parties.

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NCERT Class 10 Political Science Chapter 4 ‘Political Parties’ Overview

Chapter 4 of NCERT Class 10 Political Science, “Political Parties,” explores the essential role of political parties in a democracy. It discusses why modern democracies cannot function without political parties, highlighting their functions such as contesting elections, formulating policies, and shaping public opinion. The chapter also examines the challenges faced by political parties, including lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, and the influence of money and muscle power. It introduces national and state parties in India, detailing their significance and contributions. The chapter concludes with suggestions for reforming political parties to enhance their effectiveness and ensure they remain vital instruments of democracy. Overall, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics and importance of political parties in democratic governance.

With our expertly curated notes, you’ll be well-equipped to ace your CBSE Class 10 Political Science exams and embark on a lifelong journey of discovery and learning.

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NCERT class 10 Political Science Chapter 4 ‘Political Parties’ Questions and Answers

Question 1

State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Answer:

In a democracy, political parties play several crucial roles, contributing to the stability and functionality of the political system. Here are the primary functions they perform:

1. Representation of Public Opinion:

• Political parties act as a bridge between the government and the people by representing public demands, needs, and interests in the legislature.
• They create a platform for citizens to express their opinions on key issues.

2. Contest Elections:

• Parties put forward candidates and contest elections, providing citizens with choices among different policies and leaders.
• They mobilize voters and create awareness about electoral processes, increasing political participation.

3. Formulation of Policies and Programs:

• Each party develops its own policies and programs in line with its ideology and goals.
• Parties provide voters with distinct policy options and are responsible for implementing these policies if elected to power.

4. Formation of Government:

• Political parties that win a majority in elections form the government and select leaders to administer various government functions.
• Even when no single party wins a majority, parties can form coalitions to establish a government.

5. Role as an Opposition:

• Parties that do not form the government play an essential role as the opposition, monitoring and critiquing the government’s actions.
• This opposition function helps keep the government accountable to the people and ensures checks and balances in the political system.

6. Influencing Policy Decisions:

• Political parties influence government policies both through the legislature and public opinion.
• They help bring attention to significant issues and push the government to address them.

7. Political Socialization and Training:

• Parties play an educational role by raising awareness about political rights, responsibilities, and issues among the public.
• They also train future political leaders, fostering democratic values and encouraging civic participation.

8. Fostering Unity and Stability:

• By representing diverse groups and interests, political parties help unite people around common goals, promoting political stability.
• Through democratic competition and dialogue, parties help prevent conflicts and create a structured way to resolve differences.

These functions demonstrate how political parties are essential to maintaining a healthy, responsive, and inclusive democratic system.

Question 2

What are the various challenges faced by political parties?

Answer:

Political parties face several significant challenges that impact their effectiveness and integrity. Here are the primary challenges:

1. Lack of Internal Democracy:

• Power within parties often becomes concentrated in the hands of a few leaders, leading to an absence of internal democracy.
• Ordinary party members have limited influence on decisions, as parties may avoid holding regular organizational meetings or conducting internal elections.
• This centralization of power discourages transparency and restricts member participation, with loyalty to leaders sometimes taking precedence over loyalty to party principles.

2. Dynastic Succession:

• Many political parties suffer from dynastic succession, where leadership positions are often passed down within families rather than being open to all qualified members.
• This limits the opportunity for ordinary members to rise through merit and creates an unfair advantage for family members, which can hinder democratic practices within the party.
• This also risks placing individuals without adequate experience or popular support in influential positions, undermining democratic representation.

3. Growing Role of Money and Muscle Power:

• During elections, the influence of money and muscle power often escalates, as parties focus on winning by any means.
• Wealthy candidates and donors may gain undue influence on party decisions and policies, and in some cases, parties nominate candidates with criminal backgrounds who can sway elections in their favor.
• This reliance on financial and muscle resources distorts the democratic process, as it prioritizes financial power over public support and merit.

4. Lack of Meaningful Choice for Voters:

• Over time, ideological differences between parties have diminished, especially on major economic and social policies.
• Voters often find that political parties offer similar platforms and policies, limiting their options to make meaningful choices.
• Additionally, frequent shifts by the same leaders between parties make it difficult for voters to elect genuinely distinct leaders, further reducing the diversity of choices available.

These challenges have led to widespread dissatisfaction and criticism of political parties, impacting their ability to effectively serve as instruments of democracy. Addressing these issues is crucial to enhancing the role of political parties in a healthy democratic system.

Question 3

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

Answer:

To strengthen political parties and ensure they perform their democratic functions effectively, several reforms can be considered:

1. Regulating Internal Democracy:

• Enact laws requiring parties to maintain membership registers, conduct regular organizational meetings, and hold internal elections.
• Mandate political parties to follow their own constitution and establish an independent authority to oversee party disputes and elections.
• Encourage transparency within parties, allowing ordinary members to have more influence and access to internal party matters.

1. Discouraging Dynastic Succession:

• Ensure that party leadership positions are accessible based on merit and experience rather than family ties.
• Create a transparent process for leadership selection to provide equal opportunities for all party members, especially at higher levels.
• Encourage young and capable leaders to rise through party ranks, promoting diversity in leadership.

1. Reducing the Influence of Money and Muscle Power:

• Implement state funding of elections, providing resources to political parties for legitimate campaign activities. This could be in the form of materials (petrol, paper, etc.) or funding based on votes received in previous elections.
• Enforce strict laws on election funding, limiting the role of wealthy individuals and corporations in influencing policies.
• Mandate the declaration of candidates’ assets and criminal records, making this information accessible to the public.

1. Increasing Diversity in Representation:

• Require political parties to reserve a minimum proportion of candidate nominations (e.g., one-third) for women, ensuring gender diversity.
• Encourage parties to reserve positions in decision-making bodies for women and underrepresented groups to enhance inclusivity.

1. Encouraging Public Pressure and Active Participation:

• Promote public awareness and encourage citizens, media, and civil society groups to put pressure on political parties to adopt internal reforms.
• Increase public engagement in politics by encouraging citizens to join political parties, as active involvement can influence party dynamics and push for better internal governance.

1. Independent Oversight by the Election Commission:

• The Election Commission should enforce rules requiring political parties to file regular income tax returns and conduct internal elections.
• Strengthen the role of the Election Commission to monitor compliance and penalize parties that violate democratic norms within their structures.

These reforms can help reduce undue influence, improve internal democracy, and make political parties more accountable to the public, strengthening their role in a democratic society.

Question 4

What is a political party?

Answer:

A political party is an organized group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government. They agree on certain policies and programs to promote collective good and work towards implementing these policies by winning popular support through elections. Political parties reflect fundamental political divisions in society and are characterized by partisanship, meaning they represent specific segments of society and advocate for their interests. A political party typically consists of leaders, active members, and followers. Political parties perform key roles in a democracy, including:

• Forming and running the government: Political parties contest elections and form the government if they win a majority.
• Formulating policies: They develop policies and programs that align with their ideology and address public issues.
• Representing diverse interests: Parties bring together people with shared beliefs and act as a bridge between the government and citizens, representing a wide range of interests.
• Offering choices to voters: Parties provide citizens with choices during elections, allowing them to select representatives based on different policy options and ideologies.
• Shaping public opinion: Through rallies, media campaigns, and debates, parties play an important role in influencing and forming public opinion on various issues.
• Acting as an opposition: When not in power, political parties scrutinize the ruling party, highlight issues, and hold it accountable, ensuring a balance in governance.

Question 5

What are the characteristics of a political party?

Answer:

The main characteristics of a political party are:

• Common Ideology: Political parties are formed by people who share similar political beliefs, goals, and ideologies. These shared ideas guide the party’s policies and actions.
• Organized Structure: A political party has an organized structure with a leader, active members, and supporters. This organization enables it to function systematically, manage resources, and make collective decisions.
• Electoral Participation: The primary goal of a political party is to contest elections and attain political power by forming or influencing the government. Parties strive to implement their policies through governance.
• Policy Formulation: Each party promotes specific policies and programs that address various social, economic, and political issues, representing the interests of particular groups or the general public.
• Representation of Interests: Political parties represent diverse groups and communities, acting as a bridge between the people and the government. They work to reflect the demands, grievances, and aspirations of their supporters.
• Role in Elections: Political parties nominate candidates to contest elections, and campaign to gather public support. They offer voters a choice in selecting their representatives.
• Accountability and Opposition: When in power, parties are accountable to the people, and when in opposition, they question and criticize the ruling party’s actions. This role is essential for maintaining checks and balances in a democracy.

These characteristics make political parties essential to democratic governance by organizing citizens’ participation in politics and offering them options to influence government decisions.

Question 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.

Question 7

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

Answer:

the correct answer is:
(c) C, A, D, B

Question 8

Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
A. Kanshi Ram
B. Sahu Maharaj
C. B.R. Ambedkar

Answer:

The founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is:

A. Kanshi Ram

Question 9

What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
A. Bahujan Samaj
B. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity

Answer:

The guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is:

C. Integral humanism.

Question 10

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?
(a) A, B, and C (b) A and B (c) B and C (d) A and C

Answer:

The correct statements about political parties are:

(b) A and B.

Political parties often face distrust among the people and are frequently involved in scandals. However, parties are necessary to run governments in a democracy, as they organize elections, form governments, and represent diverse interests.

Question 11

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?

Answer:

Here are responses to each of the questions based on the passage:

Do you think Yunus made the right decision to float a new political party?

Yes, Yunus made a thoughtful decision to start a new political party, as his intent was to foster better governance, fight corruption, and introduce a new political culture. Given his background and contributions to social and economic development, Yunus likely had a strong understanding of the needs of the people and a vision for a better Bangladesh. Launching a political party would allow him to influence change more directly within the government structure.

Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people?

The concerns expressed by others are understandable. Politics is a complex and often challenging field that requires navigating diverse opinions, interests, and power structures. Some fears, such as skepticism about his background in politics or worries that he might be influenced by external forces, could be legitimate as they reflect the experience of people who have seen political interference in the past. However, Yunus’s track record as an economist and social innovator suggests he genuinely aims to serve the public. While these concerns deserve attention, Yunus’s intentions and past contributions indicate he might bring positive reforms.

How do you want this new party organized to make it different from other parties?

To make Yunus’s party stand out, the following organizational features would be beneficial:

• Grassroots Democracy: The party should encourage decision-making from the grassroots level, ensuring that ordinary members have a voice and are involved in shaping policies.
• Transparency and Accountability: Regular public reports on finances, decisions, and activities can maintain transparency and strengthen public trust.
• Merit-Based Leadership: Promote leaders based on merit and dedication rather than family connections or wealth to counter dynastic succession.
• Anti-Corruption Measures: The party should establish strict policies against corruption, including penalties for any leaders involved in unethical practices.
• Inclusivity and Representation: Make it a priority to represent diverse groups and regions within Bangladesh, creating a platform that reflects the interests of all citizens.
• Clear Ethical Guidelines: Define and enforce clear ethical standards for all party members and leaders.

If you were the one to begin this political party, how would you defend it?

If I were initiating this party, I would defend it by emphasizing the following points:

• Commitment to Change: This party is founded to address longstanding issues in governance, such as corruption and lack of transparency. Our goal is to serve the people rather than pursue power for its own sake.
• Focus on Good Governance and Development: With a strong focus on fighting corruption and promoting sustainable development, this party represents a break from the status quo and aims to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
• Proven Leadership: I, along with my team, bring proven experience in serving the community, as seen through initiatives like Grameen Bank. This shows our commitment to grassroots change and economic empowerment.
• Public Engagement: We invite public scrutiny and engagement, as a democratic party should reflect the will and values of the people. We will be transparent and responsive to public concerns.
• Non-Influence by External Forces: We are driven by the needs of Bangladesh alone, with no external agenda or interference. Our only aim is to bring about positive and sustainable growth for the nation and uphold the values of democracy.

This approach would show Yunus’s commitment to creating a genuinely democratic, transparent, and accountable party, aimed at building a better Bangladesh for its citizens.

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