Political Parties — Questions & Answers

Sample questions from Political Parties

1. Q1. A political party is best defined as a group of people who:

   • A.Only protest against the government
   • B.Come together to contest elections and hold power in government✓
   • C.Manage business firms
   • D.Run the courts
   Solution

   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 promoting the collective good.

2. Q2. What is the primary role of the 'Opposition' party in a parliamentary democracy like India?

   • A.To draft and sign all international commercial treaties on behalf of the cabinet.
   • B.To dissolve the state legislative assemblies during national budget sessions.
   • C.To manage the police forces and district magistracy in all opposition-ruled states.
   • D.To voice different views, criticize the government for its failures or wrong policies, and mobilize public opposition.✓
   Solution

   D is correct because the textbook states: 'Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power, by voicing different views and criticising government for its failures or wrong policies. Opposition parties also mobilise opposition to the government.' Mistakes A, B, and C confuse the role of the political opposition with executive or sovereign administrative functions.

3. Q3. Which proposed reform for political parties suggests that the government should give parties funds to support their election expenses to curb the illicit influence of corporate cash?

   • A.Universal Basic Income
   • B.State funding of elections✓
   • C.The Anti-Defection Scheme
   • D.Corporate Electoral Sponsorship Mandate
   Solution

   B is correct because the NCERT text specifies: 'There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to support their election expenses. This support could be given in kind: petrol, paper, telephone etc. Or it could be given in cash on the basis of the votes secured by the party in the last election.' Mistakes A, C, and D name different welfare or regulatory programs.

4. Q4. Which challenge to political parties involves leaders in top executive positions securing advantages for their family members and passing party control down dynastically?

   • A.Lack of state funding
   • B.Anti-defection penalties
   • C.Dynastic succession✓
   • D.Electoral volatility
   Solution

   C is correct because the textbook describes the second challenge: 'The second challenge of dynastic succession is related to the first one. Since most political parties do not practice open and transparent procedures for their functioning, there are very few ways for an ordinary worker to rise to the top... in many parties, the top positions are always controlled by members of one family.' Mistakes A, B, and D describe financial, legal, or electoral dynamics.

5. Q5. Parties shape public opinion by:

   • A.Raising and highlighting issues and mobilising people around them✓
   • B.Counting votes on election day
   • C.Running the courts
   • D.Printing currency
   Solution

   Parties shape public opinion by raising and highlighting issues, launching movements, and mobilising people around them, and their many members and pressure groups help form opinions in society.

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