Political Parties - Class 10 Social Science - Chapter 4 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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Extra Questions - Political Parties | Democratic Politics - II | Social Science | Class 10
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Which among the following options provides the most accurate definition of 'competitive politics'?
A) Form political parties and advertise for votes.
B) Join a party and elect their leader for the presidential position.
C) Contest for the prime minister's position.
D) Form political parties and contest elections.
The correct answer is D) Form political parties and contest elections.
Competitive politics primarily involves the establishment and participation of various political parties in elections. It denotes the process where individuals form their own political parties and compete in elections to potentially govern if they are victorious. This approach is typically embraced when the incumbent political structures are insufficient in addressing specific concerns or demands of the populace.
"The parties which have influence only in one or two states are known as:
A. state parties
B. regional parties
C. national parties
D. provincial parties"
The correct answer is B. regional parties.
Regional parties are specifically known to exert their influence predominantly within one or two states rather than across the entire nation.
A candidate who doesn't belong to any political party is called:
A. political candidate
B. independent candidate
C. apolitical candidate
D. individual candidate
The correct answer is B. independent candidate.
Typically, candidates run in elections under the affiliation of a political party. However, a candidate who does not belong to any political party is referred to as an independent candidate. This term is used to describe individuals who choose to contest elections without the backing or support of an established political party.
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State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
In a democracy, political parties perform several crucial functions that are essential for the proper functioning of a government. Firstly, parties contest elections by nominating candidates, enabling them to run for political office. Through the electoral process, they fill political offices and exercise political power. Parties also formulate and promote their policies and programs to the electorate, striving to reflect the collective good. They play a pivotal role in law-making, as they debate and make laws in the parliament. Furthermore, when not in power, they act as the opposition, scrutinizing the policies and actions of the ruling party. Additionally, political parties shape public opinion and mobilize the population to address societal issues, further enhancing democratic participation. Lastly, they provide a link between the government and the citizens, facilitating an effective governance process.
What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
Political parties face several challenges that impact their effectiveness and role in democracy. These challenges include:
Lack of Internal Democracy: Many parties suffer from centralized power structures where decisions are made by a few leaders, limiting participation and ascent within party ranks by the average members.
Dynastic Succession: Leadership often remains within a particular family, barring talented external members from rising to positions of power within the party.
Increasing Influence of Money and Muscle Power: Parties often rely on wealthy candidates who can fund their campaigns, or on individuals with muscle power, which undermines the democratic ethos.
Lack of Meaningful Choices: There is often a convergence in the ideological platforms of major parties, which narrows down meaningful choices for the voters.
These challenges, if not addressed, can severely limit the function of political parties as effective democratic instruments.
Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
To strengthen political parties and enhance their performance, several reforms can be implemented:
Internal Democracy: Parties must practice genuine internal democracy, ensuring regular internal elections, transparent decision-making processes, and equitable representation of all segments of the membership.
Regulation and Transparency: Implement stringent regulations requiring parties to maintain public records of finances and donations to reduce the influence of money and ensure accountability.
Promotion of Women and Minorities: Enforce quotas for women and minorities for candidacy and party leadership roles to ensure a diverse representation.
State Funding of Elections: Introduce state funding for elections to diminish financial pressures on parties and reduce dependency on influential financial backers.
Legal Framework and Enforcement: A robust legal framework should be established to govern the functioning of parties, coupled with strict enforcement to ensure compliance.
What is a political party?
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote the collective good. This agreement helps them consolidate support and advocate for certain priorities and policies, which they aim to implement if they secure enough electoral support to influence or direct government policy.
What are the characteristics of a political party?
A political party is an organized group of people who share similar political aims and opinions and aim to influence public policy by getting its candidates elected to public office. The main characteristics of a political party include:
- Ideology: Parties have specific ideologies which guide their policies and programs.
- Organization: They are well-organized with a structured hierarchy to manage activities and mobilize support.
- Leadership: Parties elect leaders who represent them and make decisions.
- Membership: Consists of registered supporters who help in propagating the party's ideology and participate in party activities.
- Manifesto: Parties formulate a manifesto that outlines their proposed policies and goals to address public issues.
- Competition: Parties compete in elections to gain authority to govern and implement their policies.
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a _____________________.
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a political party.
Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I | List II |
---|---|
1. Congress Party | A. National Democratic Alliance |
2. Bharatiya Janata Party | B. State party |
3. Communist Party of India (Marxist) | C. United Progressive Alliance |
4. Telugu Desam Party | D. Left Front |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
(a) | C | A | B | D |
(b) | C | D | A | B |
(c) | C | A | D | B |
(d) | D | C | A | B |
Here's the correct matching for the given organisations and their associations:
Congress Party: Associated with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Associated with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Communist Party of India (Marxist): Associated with the Left Front.
Telugu Desam Party: Classified as a State party.
Matching these to the given options, the correct answer is:
Congress Party - C (United Progressive Alliance)
Bharatiya Janata Party - A (National Democratic Alliance)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) - D (Left Front)
Telugu Desam Party - B (State party)
This corresponds to Option (c) in your given answer choices.
Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
A. Kanshi Ram
B. Sahu Maharaj
C. B.R. Ambedkar
D. Jotiba Phule
The founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party is A. Kanshi Ram.
What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
A. Bahujan Samaj
B. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity
The guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is C. Integral humanism. This is inspired by Deendayal Upadhyaya's ideas which emphasize the holistic development of individuals and focus on India's ancient cultural heritage as foundational to its national identity.
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
Based on the content provided in the chapter, the correct statements about parties are:
A. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
This is discussed in the section that talks about the general distrust towards political parties, noting that they are one of the least trusted institutions.
B. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party members.
While not directly stated in the text provided, this is typically assumed within the context of challenges faced by parties, such as issues of internal democracy and influence of money and muscle power, which could lead to scandals.
Statement C, "Parties are not necessary to run governments," is incorrect. The text explicitly discusses why modern democracies cannot exist without political parties. They play a fundamental role in organizing elections, forming governments, making laws, and representing diverse opinions within governance. Therefore:
Correct answer: (b) A and B.
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?
Yes, Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party, Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power). His decision was grounded in the objective to foster proper leadership, promote good governance, and build a new Bangladesh. With his background in improving the socio-economic conditions of the poor through the Grameen Bank, his venture into politics could be seen as an extension of his desire to bring more comprehensive societal improvements at a national policy level. A new political narrative aiming at eradicating corruption and infusing democracy from grassroots might be transformative, considering the traditional parties' failure to address these issues effectively.
Partially agree. The mixed reactions to Yunus's political entry are understandable. The support expressed by Shahedul Islam reflects a hopeful stance that many citizens might share, desiring a shift from the norm in Bangladeshi politics toward greater accountability.
Organizational Structure of the New Party to Distinguish It from Others:
To ensure the party stands out and remains true to its principles, Nagarik Shakti should:
Implement transparent candidate selection processes with active participation from party members at all levels, discouraging dynastic and parachute candidacies.
Establish strong internal democracy, allowing for regular and fair elections within the party and maintaining clear communication channels between the grassroots and leadership.
Emphasize policy over politics, focusing on issue-based rather than personality-driven campaigns.
Defending the New Political Party:
If I were to defend Nagarik Shakti, my approach would be:
Highlight Yunus’s proven track record in significantly improving the lives of many through the Grameen Bank as evidence of his commitment to positive change.
Emphasize the party’s foundational goals of good governance, democratic practices, and anti-corruption to contrast with the existing political culture in Bangladesh, which has often been marred by these issues.
Argue that new perspectives and leaders from diverse backgrounds are essential for a dynamic, evolving political landscape, capable of addressing the complex modern challenges.
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Introduction
Political parties are integral to the functioning of modern democracies. They play a crucial role in electoral processes, forming governments, policy-making, and representing diverse social interests. This comprehensive guide delves into the importance, functions, and challenges faced by political parties, particularly in the context of Class 10 education.
What is a Political Party?
A political party is a group of individuals who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. These groups share common ideologies and interests, working collectively to influence government policies and decisions.
Why Do We Need Political Parties?
Political parties are essential for the following reasons:
Representation: They represent the diverse interests of the population.
Policy Formation: They help in formulating policies that reflect the collective good.
Governance: They provide a structured way to form and run governments.
Historical Context and Evolution
Political parties have evolved over centuries, becoming omnipresent in modern democracies. Their rise is closely linked to the emergence of representative democracies, where large, complex societies needed a mechanism to gather and present various views to the government.
Functions of Political Parties
Political parties perform several critical functions:
Contesting Elections
Parties select candidates to contest elections. In some democracies, members and supporters choose candidates, while in others, top party leaders make the selection.
Policy Formulation
Parties put forward different policies and programs, and voters choose from them. They reduce a multitude of opinions into a few basic positions, providing a policy direction for governments.
Making Laws
Parties play a decisive role in law-making. Members usually follow the party line during legislative debates and votes.
Forming and Running Governments
Parties form and run governments by recruiting leaders, training them, and making them ministers to execute their policies.
Opposition Roles
Parties that lose elections play the role of opposition, voicing different views and criticizing government failures, mobilizing public opinion against the ruling authority.
Shaping Public Opinion
Parties shape public opinion by raising and highlighting issues. They launch movements and crystallize societal opinions along party lines.
Facilitating Access to Government
Parties provide easier access to government machinery and welfare schemes compared to approaching government officers directly.
Types of Political Parties
National Parties
National parties have a presence in multiple states and follow uniform policies across the country. Examples include the Indian National Congress (INC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Regional/State Parties
These parties operate within specific states and may have regional ideologies. Examples include the Biju Janata Dal and Telangana Rashtra Samithi.
Criteria for Recognition
The Election Commission of India recognizes political parties based on their performance in elections, conferring special privileges to established parties.
Challenges Faced by Political Parties
Political parties face several challenges:
Lack of Internal Democracy
Many parties concentrate power in a few leaders, lack regular organizational meetings, and do not conduct internal elections, leading to a lack of transparency.
Dynastic Succession
Political power often remains within specific families, making it difficult for ordinary party members to rise to leadership positions.
Influence of Money and Muscle Power
Parties often nominate candidates with significant financial resources, leading to an undue influence of wealthy individuals and corporations. Some parties even support candidates with criminal backgrounds.
Limited Choice for Voters
A lack of significant ideological differences among parties limits meaningful choices for voters.
Reforms and Solutions
Several reforms have been proposed to address these challenges:
Legal Reforms
Anti-Defection Law: Prevents elected members from switching parties by making them lose their legislative seats.
Financial Transparency: Mandates candidates to disclose property and criminal records.
Organizational Elections: Requires parties to conduct internal elections and file income tax returns.
Internal Reforms
Member Registers: Encourages maintaining a register of party members and adhering to the party constitution.
Gender Quota: Proposes reserving one-third of party tickets and decision-making positions for women.
State Funding of Elections: Suggests government support for election expenses based on past performance.
Role of Citizens and Media
Active engagement through petitions, campaigns, and public pressure can compel parties to adopt reforms. Increased participation in political parties can also improve the democratic process.
Types of Party Systems
One-Party System
Only one party is permitted to govern, exemplified by the Communist Party in China.
Two-Party System
Two major parties dominate the political landscape, such as in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Multi-Party System
Several parties compete for power, often forming coalition governments, as seen in India.
Coalition Governments
Multiple parties join forces to contest elections and form a government, providing diverse representation but often leading to political instability.
Popular Participation in Political Parties
While political parties may not enjoy high trust levels, participation remains significant. India has witnessed a steady rise in party membership and identification over the years.
Conclusion
Political parties are indispensable for the functioning of modern democracies. Despite facing numerous challenges, their role in representing diverse interests, forming governments, and shaping public policies is irreplaceable. Reforms in internal democracy, financial transparency, and public participation can strengthen the democratic process further.
Political parties are essential for the working of democracy, and a better understanding of their roles and challenges can empower students and citizens alike to contribute meaningfully to the political landscape.
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