POLITICAL APRTIES

Which one of the following facilities is offered by the Election Commission to a

recognised political party?
(a) Party name
(b) Election funds
(c) Election symbol
(d) Manifesto

Answer: (c) Election symbol

Question 2.
Which one of the following is a ‘National Political Party’?
(a) Samajwadi Party
(b) Rashtriya Janata Dal
(c) Rashtriya Lok Dal
(d) Bahujan Samaj Party

Answer: (d) Bahujan Samaj Party

Question 3.
Who among the following recognises political parties in India?
(a) Election Commission
(b) President of India
(c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
(d) Supreme Court

Answer: (a) Election Commission

Question 4.
Which one of the following countries has one party system?
(a) China
(b) Indo-China
(c) Japan
(d) Germany

Answer: (a) China

Question 5.
In which of the following states does Shiv Sena exist as a regional political
party?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Karnataka
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Madhya Pradesh

Answer
Answer: (c) Maharashtra

Question 6.
Name the political party that emerged out of mass movement?
(a) DMK
(b) Janata Dal
(c) Forward Bloc
(d) Bahujan Sam

Answer
Answer: (b) Janata Dal

Question 7.
A recognised political party is
(a) a party that is present in only one of the federal units.
(b) a party that is present in several and all units of the federation.
(c) a party that is based on regional and communal diversities.
(d) a party recognised by the ‘Election Commission’ with all the privileges and
facilities.

Answer
Answer: (d) a party recognised by the ‘Election Commission’ with all the
privileges and facilities.

Question 8.
An example of a country having the multi party system is
(a) China
(b) USA
(c) India
(d) United Kingdom

Answer
Answer: (c) India

Question 9.
How many parties are needed in any democratic system to compete in elections
and provide a fair chance for the competing parties ; to come to power?
(a) Less than two
(b) At least two parties
(c) More than two parties
(d) At least three parties

Answer
Answer: (b) At least two parties

Question 10.
The number of political parties registered with the Election Commission of
India is
(a) 750 parties
(b) more than 750 parties
(c) Less than 750 parties
(d) 705 parties

Answer
Answer: (b) more than 750 parties

Question 11.
How many parties are registered with the Election Commission of India?
(a) 250
(b) 300
(c) 500
(d) More than 750

Answer
Answer: (d) More than 750
Explanation:
There are a large number of political parties in each country. More than 750
parties are registered with the Election Commission of India.

Question 12.
What is a signed document submitted to an officer regarding her personal
information?
(a) Affidavit
(b) Declaration
(c) Agreement
(d) Appeal

Answer: (a) Affidavit

Explanation:
An affidavit is a signed document submitted to an officer, where a person makes
a sworn statement regarding her personal information.

Question 13.
Which of these statements is incorrect about CPI (M)?
(a) Supports socialism, secularism and democracy
(b) Opposes imperialism and communalism
(c) Wants to secure socio-economic justice in India
(d) None of the above

Answer
Answer: (d) None of the above
Explanation:
CPI(M) supports socialism, secularism and democracy and opposes imperialism
and communalism. Accepts democratic elections as a useful and helpful means
for securing the objective of socio- economic justice in India.

Question 14.
Who chooses the candidates for contesting elections in India?
(a) Members and supporters of the party
(b) Top party leadership
(c) The existing government
(d) None of these
Answer
Answer: (b) Top party leadership
Explanation:
In other countries like India, top party leaders choose candidates for contesting
elections.

Question 15.
When and under whose leadership was Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) formed?
(a) 1982, Mayawati
(b) 1984, Kanshi Ram
(c) 1985, Mulayam Singh Yadav
(d) 1986, Bhajanlal

Answer
Answer: (b) 1984, Kanshi Ram
Explanation:
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was 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.

Question 16.
When was the BJP founded?
(a) 1960
(b) 1970
(c) 1980
(d) 1990

Answer
Answer: (c) 1980
Explanation:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was founded in 1980 by reviving the erstwhile
Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

Question 17.
How many recognised national parties were there in 2006?
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 7
(d) 8

Answer
Answer: (b) 6
Explanation:
According to the classification, there were six national recognised parties in the
country in 2006

Question 18.
What are the parties which are given the special privilege of ‘election symbol’
and other facilities?
(a) ‘Identified’ by the Election Commission
(b) ‘Recognised’ by the Election Commission
(c) ‘Patronised’ by the Election Commission
(d) ‘Attached’ by the Election Commission

Answer
Answer: (b) ‘Recognised’ by the Election Commission
Explanation:
Parties that get this privilege and some other special facilities are ‘recognised’
by the Election Commission for this purpose. That’s why these parties are
called, ‘recognised political parties’.

Question 19.
Which of these alliances were there in 2004 parliamentary elections in India?
(a) National Democratic Alliance
(b) The United Progressive Alliance
(c) Left Front
(d) All the above

Answer
Answer: (d) All the above
Explanation:
In India there were three such major alliances in 2004 parliamentary elections–
the National Democratic Alliance, the United Progressive Alliance and the Left
Front.

Question 20.
Which of these is not a good option for a democratic state?
(a) One-party system
(b) Two-party system
(c) Multi-party system
(d) None of the above

Answer
Answer: (a) One-party system
Explanation:
We cannot consider one-party system as a good option because this is not a
democratic option. Any democratic system must allow at least two parties to
compete in elections and provide a fair chance for the competing parties to
come to power.
Political Parties Class 10 MCQ Question 1. Give the meaning of ‘Alliance’.
(a) Two parties together form the government.
(b) Leftist and Rightist together form the government.
(c) When state and national parties together form the government.
(d) When several parties in a multiparty system join for the purpose of
contesting elections and winning power.

Answer
Answer: d

2. The political party which believes in Marxism-Leninism is [AI2011]

(a) Nationalist Congress Party.
(b) Communist Party of India.
(c) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
(d) Bahujan Samaj Party

Answer
Answer: b
3. Which one of the following is considered the best form of government?
[Delhi 2012]
(a) Democracy
(b) Dictatorship
(c) Monarchy
(d) Military Rule

Answer
Answer: a

4. Select the statement related to the advantages

of multiparty system
(a) Multi-party system provides limited choice to voters.
(b) There is a chance of conflict.
(c) Provides choice to the voters.
(d) In Multi-party system regional parties get the representation.

Answer
Answer: c

5. Political parties are allotted symbols by [CBSE 2012]

(a) The government of India
(b) The constitution of India
(c) The party leaders
(d) The Election Commission

Answer
Answer: d

6. A recognised political party is one that

(a) is registered with the Election Commission of India.
(b) is given a unique Election symbol
(c) gets some other facilities recognised by the Election Commission
(d) All of these

Answer
Political Parties Class 10 MCQ with Answer: d
7. An Affidavit signifies (Legal);
(a) Signed document where a person makes a sworn statement regarding his or
her antecedents.
(b) A law to check the menace.
(c) Legal document to declare the academic qualification.
(d) All of the above

Answer
Answer: a

8. What is an ideological one-party system?

(a) Party based on suppression of other parties.
(b) Party based on coercion.
(c) Party based on ideological reasons; coercion and suppression of other
parties.
(d) Party based on communist ideology.

Answer
Answer: c

9. Name the oldest political party of India.

(a) Bahujan Samaj Party
(b) Indian National Congress (Congress Party)
(c) The Communist Party
(d) Bharatiya Janata Party

Answer
Answer: b

MCQ on Political Parties Question 10. Recognised political parties stand for:
(a) Parties recognised by the Election Commission with all the privileges and
facilities.
(b) Parties that are present in only one of the federal units.
(c) Parties that are present in several and all units of the federation.
(d) Communal parties based on regional diversities.
Answer
Answer: a

11. Political parties are most visible institutions in a democracy because

(a) even less educated citizens know about political parties.
(b) for ordinary citizens democracy is equal to political parties.
(c) parties have become identified with social : and political divisions.
(d) most people in a democracy are not critical of political parties.
Which of the above statements is false?

Answer
Answer: d

12. The number of political parties registered with the Election Commission of
India is
(a) 750 parties
(b) more than 750 parties
(c) Less than 750 parties
(d) 705 parties

Answer
Answer: b

13. Which party is only allowed to rule in China?

(a) Socialist party
(b) Communist party
(c) Liberal party
(d) Maoist party

Answer
Answer: b

14. How many parties are needed in any democratic system to compete in
elections and provide a fair chance for the competing parties ; to come to
power?
(a) Less than two
(b) At least two parties
(c) More than two parties
(d) At least three parties

Answer
Answer: b

Political Parties MCQ Question 15. An example of a country where two-party

system exists
(a) India
(b) United Kingdom
(c) China
(d) Pakistan

Answer
Answer: b

16. An example of a country having the multi party system is

(a) China
(b) USA
(c) India
(d) United Kingdom

Answer
Answer: c

17. The term ‘partisan’ means:

(a) A group of people who come together to promote common beliefs.
(b) Affair of the state or the science of governance.
(c) A person who is strongly committed to a party.
(d) The ruling party which runs the government.

Answer
Answer: c

18. A recognised political party is

(a) a party that is present in only one of the federal units.
(b) a party that is present in several and all units of the federation.
(c) a party that is based on regional and communal diversities.
(d) a party recognised by the ‘Election Commission’ with all the privileges and
facilities.

Answer
Answer: d

19. A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the
____________ .

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: ruling party

20. The UK and USA have ____________ party system.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: two party

21. The Constitution was amended to stop ____________ .

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: defection

22. ____________ is the tendency to take a side and inability to take a balanced
view on an issue.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: Partisan

23. One of the demerits, of multiparty, is that it often appears very messy and
leads to political ____________ .

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: instability

MCQ of Chapter Political Parties Class 10 Question 24. Communist Party of

India is the oldest political party. (True/False)

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: False

25. Opposition parties are known as political minority. (True/False)

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: True

26. Trinamool congress is a regional party of Odisha. (True/False)

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: False

27. Bahujan Samaj Party was founded by Kanshi Ram in 1984. (True/False)

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: True

28. The UK and USA have a Two Party system. (True/False)

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: True

29. What is one of the most visible institutions in a democracy?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: Political parties.

30. What is democracy equal to for most common people?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
For most common people democracy is equal to political parties.

31. To what have the political parties been identified with?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
In the recent decades, political parties have been identified with social and
political divisions.

MCQs on Political Parties Question 32. Explain the meaning of ‘Political

Party’. [All India 2017 (C)]

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections
and hold power in the government. For e.g. Indian National Congress, Bharatiya
Janata Party

33. Define ‘Partisan’.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
A person strongly committed to a party, group or faction is called partisan.

34. Name the three components of political parties.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
The leaders, the active members and the followers.

35. Mention the difference between the party system of USA and India.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
In USA, members and supporters of a party choose its candidates whereas in
India, top party leaders choose candidates for contesting elections.

36. What provides policy direction to be formulated by the government?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
A large number of similar opinions grouped together.

37. In what way do political parties play the role of an opposition?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
By voicing different views and criticising the government for its failures or
wrong policies.

38. Why do parties have to be responsive to people’s needs and demands?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
Because the people can reject them is the next elections.

39. What led to the rise of political parties?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
Emergence of representative democracy

40. What do you mean by two-party or bi-party system?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
A political system where there are two major parties.

41. Define multiparty system.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
A political system where more than two parties exist and contest elections to
come to power.

42. Can we have party less Democracy? Why/ Why not. [HOTS]

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
No it is not possible to have a party-less democracy because political parties are
necessary to conduct elections and to make parliamentary system more
systematic.

43. Why do we have a multiparty system in India? [Delhi 2015]

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
Because of its social and geographical diversity that cannot be absorbed by two
or three parties.
44. On what basis does a country choose its party system?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
A country chooses its party system on the basis of the:
(a) nature of society
(b) history of elections
(c) social differences

45. Which two kinds of political parties do the democracies have all over the
world?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
(a) Parties that are present only in the federal units
(b) Parties that are present in several or all units of the federation

46. Why are some political parties called national parties?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
Because all their units in the country follow the same policies and programmes
and strategies that are decided at the national level.

47. Which organisation does recognise ‘Political Parties’ in India? [Delhi 2017
(C)]

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: Election Commission

48. How many recognised national parties are there in India?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
There are seven recognised national parties in India.

49. Which party emerged as the fourth largest party in the 2014 Lok Sabha
elections?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)

50. Which party played a dominant role in Indian politics at the national and
state level for several decades after India’s Independence?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
Indian National Congress

51. How was the Bharatiya Janta Party formed?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
BJP was founded in 1980 by reviving the erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh,
formed by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951.

52. What is the main philosophy of Bharatiya Janta Party?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
To build a strong and modem India by drawing inspiration from India’s ancient
culture and values.
53. Name the party that adopted the concept of Hindutva(cultural nationalism)
in India.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: Bharatiya Janta Party

54. Under whose leadership was the Bahujan Samaj Party formed?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation: Kanshi Ram

55. Which political party seeks to represent and secure power for dalits, OBCs
and adivasis?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

Which two parties were formed after their split with the parent party?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
The two parties formed after their split with parent party are
(a) The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) from Communist Party of
India (CPI) in 1964.
(b) The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) from the Indian National Congress
(INC) in 1999.

57. Name the party that believes that high offices in government should be
confined to natural bom citizens of the country.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
The Nationalist Congress Party

58. Give the meaning of state or regional party.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
A party which is present in only one of the federal units and is identified with
that region only

59. Name any two State/Regional parties of Bengal.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
(a) Forward Block
(b) Trinamool Congress

60. If all the decisions of a political party are made by a single family and all
other members are neglected, then what challenge is being faced by that party?
[Delhi 2015]

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
In this situation the party faces the challenge of dynastic succession.

61. Define defection.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
It means leaving a political party to join another for some personal gains.

62. Define an ‘affidavit’.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
It is a signed document submitted to an offices, where a person makes a sworn
statement regarding his/her personal information.

63. Do political parties educate people?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
Yes, political parties educate people through various means like debates,
discussions, etc.

64. How do political parties shape public opinion?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
Political parties shape public opinion by raising and highlighting public issues
with the help of their activists and members spread all over the country.

65. Which party can be referred to as a recognised party?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
A party which gets registered with the Election Commission with a unique
election symbol and other facilities can be referred to as a recognised party.

66. Define mono-party system.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
The one-party or mono-party system is such a political system in which only
one party is allowed to control and run the government, for example,
Communist Party in China.

67. Name any one political party that has national level political organisation
but is not recognised as the national political party.

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
Samajwadi Party, Samta Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal.

68. Why is one-party political system not considered a good option in

democratic system?

Answer/Explanation
Answer:
Explanation:
One-party political system not considered a good option in democratic system.

Fill in the Blanks

1. In some countries, such as …………, members and supporters of a party

choose its candidates.
2. A political party is a group of people who come together with a view to
promote …………. .
3. A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the
4. Formally, laws are debated and passed in the …………. .
5. The parties that lose in the elections play the role of …………. to the party in
power by criticising its failures.
6. Many of the …………. groups are extensions of political parties among
different sections of societies.

Answers

1. The USA
2. collective good
3. ruling party
4. legislature
5. opposition
6. pressure

Question 1.
Who is a partisan ?
Answer:
A person who is strongly committed to a party, group or faction.

Question 2.
What is partisanship ?
Answer:
Partisanship is marked by a tendency to take a side and inability to take a balanced view on
an issue.

Question 3.
How candidates for contesting elections are chosen in the USA and India ?
Answer:
In the USA, members and supporters of a party choose its candidates. In India top party
leaders choose candidates for contesting elections.

Question 4.
Which are three components of a political party ?
Answer:

1. The leaders
2. The active members
3. The followers.

Question 5.
State any one function of the political parties in a democracy.
Answer:
Political parties contest elections by putting up their candidates.

Question 6.
What are the reasons for the rise of political parties ? Mention any one.
Answer:
The rise of political parties is due to the emergence of representative democracies in the
world.

Question 7.
Which country has one-party system ?
Answer:
China because there is only one political party i.e., Communist Party.
Question 8.
What is bi-party system ?
Answer:
In countries, like USA and UK, power usually changes between two main parties. It is bi-
party system. Several other parties exist, contest elections and win a few seats in the elections
but only the two main parties have a chance to form a government.

Question 9.
What is multi-party system ?
Answer:
If several parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of
coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others, it is multiparty
system e.g., in India.

Question 10.
What is a coalition government ?
Answer:
When none of the political parties gets majority of seats in the elections, the government is
formed by various parties coming together. It is a coalition government.

Question 11.
What is front or alliance ?
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 front. For example in India there were
three major alliances in 2004 elections – The National Democratic Alliance, The United
Progressive Alliance and The Left Front.

Question 12.
What do you understand by a ‘recognised party’ ?
Answer:
A party that gets some privilege such as a unique symbol and other special facilities is called
a ‘recognised’ party by the Election Commission.

Question 13.
Which party is recognised as a national party ? [CBSE 2016]
Answer:
A party that secures at least 6 per cent of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly
elections in four states and wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognised as a
national party; e.g., Indian National Congress.

Question 14.
Which party is recognised as a state party ? [CBSE 2016]
Answer:
A party that secures at least 6 per cent 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 e.g., Telugu
Desam.
Question 15.
Which are six national political parties in India ?
Answer:

1. Indian National Congress

2. Bharatiya Janata Party
3. Bahujan Samaj Party
4. Communist Party of India (CPI-M)
5. Communist Party of India (CPI)
6. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

Question 16.
Mention one regional political party in Jammu and Kashmir.
Answer:
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.

Question 17.
Which party is a regional political party in Haryana ?
Answer:
Indian National Lok Dal.

Question 18.
Which are regional political parties in Goa ? Name any two.
Answer:
Regional political parties in Goa are as mentioned below :

• United Goans Democratic Party.

• Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party.

Question 19.
In which state Trinamool Congress is a regional party and in power ?
Answer:
West Bengal.

Question 20.
Who was founder of Telugu Desam and in which state ?
Answer:
N T Rama Rao was the founder of Telugu Desam in Karnataka.

Question 21.
State any one challenge that is being faced by the political parties in India.
Answer:
The political parties are facing the challenge of dynastic succession. In some parties, top
positions are always controlled by members of one family.

Question 22.
What is defection ?
Answer:
Defection implies changing party allegiance from the party on which a person got elected to a
legislature to a different party.
Question 23.
Answer:
The law says that if any MLA or MP changes partied, he or she will lose the seat in the
legislature.

Question 24.
What is an affidavit ?
Answer:
Affidavit is a signed document submitted to an officer, where a person makes a sworn
statement regarding her personal information.

Question 25.
To reduce the influence of money and criminals which order has been passed by the Supreme
Court ?
Answer:
The Supreme Court has passed the order under which it is mandatory for every candidate
who contests elections to file an affidavit giving details of his property and criminal cases
pending against him.

Question 26.
Which order has been passed by the Election Commission to follow the democratic principles
in the party ?
Answer:
The Election Commission has passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold
their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.

Question 27.
How people can put pressure on political parties to reform them ?
Answer:
People can do this by petitions, publicity, and agitations. Ordinary citizens, pressure groups,
movements and media can play an important role in this.

Question 28.
Name any one political party that has national level political organisation but not recognised
as the national party.
Answer:
Samajwadi Party, Samta Party, Rashtriya Janta Dal.

QUESTIONS OF 3/5 MARKS

Answers should he in about 80/100 words.

Question 1.
Why modern democracies cannot exist without political parties ?
Or
What is the necessity of political parties in democratic politics ?
Answer:
Political parties perform various functions such as contesting elections, formation of
government, act as opposition party. We, therefore, need political parties in a
democracy. But still question is raised why modern democracies cannot exist without
political parties. The reasons for this are as mentioned below :

1. In the absence of political parties, every candidate in the elections will be

independent. There will be no promises, no party manifestos. People will not be able
to know about the future programme/policies of the new government after the
elections.
2. The government may be formed but there will be no unity among the members of the
legislature unless they are members of one political party.
3. Elected representatives will be accountable to the voters /people of their constituency
for their problems and promises made to them. No one will be held responsible for the
foreign and defence policies of the country because these are decisions that are taken
by majority or unanimously. The question may also be raised to whom the members
will be responsible and why for national policies.
4. It may be mentioned here that even during the non-party based elections to the
panchayats, the parties do not contest formally but it is generally noticed that the
village gets split into more than one faction, each of which puts up a ‘panel’ of its
candidates. This function is performed by political parties in a democracy.
5. Modern large scale societies need representative democracy which in turn need some
agency to gather different views on various issues and present these to the
government. This function is done by political parties. Thus, parties are a necessary
condition for democracy as well as modern democracies cannot exist without political
parties.

Question 2.
Why is one-party system not considered a good democratic government ? [CBSE2016]
Or
What is one-party system ? What are its merits and demerits ?
Answer:
(1) In some countries only one-party is allowed to control and run the government. These are
called one-party system. For example in China only the Communist Party is allowed to rule.

(2) Merits :

1. It helps in the establishment of stable governments.

2. It helps in the fast development of the country as there are no conflicts among the
classes.
3. The administration becomes efficient as the powers are concentrated in the hands of
party leaders.
4. There is unity and discipline in the country.
5. Time is not wasted in unnecessary criticism and propaganda.

(c) Demerits :

1. There is no freedom of expression. No one can speak against the party.

2. Democracy is eroded and one-party dictatorship is established.
3. There is no respect for the views of different classes and interests.
4. The administration becomes irresponsible due to lack of criticism and opposition.
5. Political and social freedoms are crushed. This hinders the development of the
personality.
Question 3.
What is bi-party system ? Describe its merits.
Answer:
(a)

1. Bi-party system means that there are two major political parties and the rest of the
parties are less important.
2. Only two main parties have a serious chance of winning majority of seats to form
government.
3. The examples are USA and UK.

(b)
Merits :

(1) Government is more stable : The government is more stable in a bi-party system,
because the majority party in the legislature forms the government and the other party acts as
opposition.Coalition governments are not formed in a bi-party system. If the ruling party
loses the majority in the legislature, the Cabinet tenders its resignation. In such a case the
opposition forms the government. It becomes ruling party and the party which was hitherto
fore the ruling party, becomes the opposition party.

(2) Formation of government is easier : In this system, the formation of the government is
easier because one party gets majority and head of state invites their leader to form the
government. If in any case, the majority party loses the majority support in the legislature, the
other party i.e., opposition party, is invited to form the government.

(3) It ensures a strong government and continuity of policy : As there is a stable

government, it can pursue a good policy continuously. The government can formulate long
term plans for the welfare of the people.

(4) Responsibility can be fixed easily : In this system the government is in the hands of one
party. So it can be given credit for its success and if fails on any front, it earns bad name. It is
thus easy to fix the responsibility and the ruling party cannot shift responsibility to others.

(5) Constructive criticism : In this system, the opposition party indulges in constructive
criticism of the government, because it knows that in case of the failure of the government, it
will have to form the government. In such an eventually, it will have to remove all those
defects for which it had criticised the ruling party.

(6) Commanding position of the Prime Minister : In a bi-party system, the Prime Minister
enjoys the confidence of his own party. If the Prime Minister has sufficient influence on his
party and if his party has sufficient majority in the legislature, he will have no difficulty in
running the government.

Question 4.
Describe the demerits of bi-party system.
Answer:
The demerits/disadvantages of the bi-party system are as mentioned below :
(1) Dictatorship of the cabinet : In a bi-party system, the dictatorship of the cabinet is
established because it has the majority support in the Parliament. In such the situation the
ruling party does not care much for the opposition.

(2) Limited choice before the voters : When there are only two parties before the electorate,
they have to elect one even if they do not like both the parties. In this way the voter loses its
freedom of choice.

(3) The prestige of the legislature is lowered : In a bi-party system, the Prime Minister with
majority of his party and his influence over the party, can get the bills, budget, treaties etc.
passed as he likes. In case he is not supported by legislature, he can recommend its
dissolution. Therefore the legislature is a puppet in the hands of the Prime Minister.

(4) Dictatorship of the majority party : In bi-party system there is dictatorship of the
majority party and it cares little for the opposition because it enjoys a majority in the
legislature (Parliament).

(5) It divides the nations into irreconcilable camps : Where there are only two parties in a
country, there is a great difference in their ideologies and there is a great controversy over the
basic policies in the country.

(6) All shades of opinion are not represented in the legislature : Where there are only two
parties, the voters have no freedom to express their views as all shades of opinion are given
representation.

Question 5.
Define multi-party system. What are the advantages of this system ?
Answer:
1. Multi-party system is that where there are more than two political parties as in India,
France, Italy and Germany.
2. Advantages :

1. The nation is not divided into two camps : Under multi-party system there are many
types of ideologies. There is no rigid discipline among the parties. One person can
leave one party and join another party of his choice.
2. Parliament does not become puppet in the hands of the cabinet : Under multi-
party system, sometimes a coalition government of several parties is formed. So there
cannot be cabinet dictatorship. The cabinet cannot get the work done at will.
3. All shades of opinion are represented in the house : In a multi-party system all
shades of opinion get representation in the parliament. Views of different classes are
heard in the House.
4. Wider choice before the electorate : Where there are many parties, there is a wider
choice before the electorate because they can cast their votes in favour of only the
like-minded parties.
5. The workers are more free in this system because if their own party does not care for
them they can join another party of their choice.

3. Disadvantages :
 1. Weak government : The coalition governments are basically weak. The Prime
Minister has to consult the leaders of other coalition partners. In case of differences
the governments are dissolved soon.
2. Indefiniteness of Policy : There is indefiniteness of the policy due to rapid change in
the government. With the change of government, the policy is also changed.
3. No long term planning : Due to rapid changes in the governments, long term
planning is not possible. It is not in the interest of development in the country.
4. Lack of administrative efficiency : In a multiple party system administrative
efficiency suffers because the governments change very often.
5. In this system trading in votes and formation of government undermines the political
morality as has happened in our country on different occasions e.g., Ayaram Gayaram
episode in Haryana.

Question 6.
What is a multi-party system ? Why has India adopted a multi-party system ? [CBSE2015]
Or
Give your opinion about which party system should be adopted in a country.
Answer:

1. It is not possible to say which party system should be adopted in a country because
party system is not something any country can choose.
2. It evolves over a long time.
3. It depends on the nature of society, its social and regional divisions, its history of
politics and its system of elections.
4. Each country develops a party system that is conditioned by its special circumstances.
For example in India we have multi-party system because the social and geographical
diversity in such a large country is not easily absorbed by two or even three parties.
Thus, it may be concluded that no system is ideal for all countries and all situations.
Also see Question 5 above.

Question 7.
Give a brief description of six national parties in India.
Answer:
(1) Indian National Congress :

• It is one of the oldest parties in the world,

• It was founded by A.O. Hume in 1885.
• It has played an important role in freedom struggle.
• Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, it laid foundation for a modern India,
• It is a centrist party in its ideology,
• It supports liberalisation and globalisation,
• In the elections held in 2004, it emerged as the single largest party with 145 seats,
• In 2009 elections too the party was the single largest party securing 205 seats and
headed the govt,
• In 2014 elections the party has lost power at the center.

(2) Bharatiya Janata Party :

• It was founded in 1980 by reviving the old Bharatiya Jana Sangh. It believes in
India’s ancient culture and values,
 • It believes in cultural nationalism or Hindustan.
• The party favours full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India, a uniform civil
code for all people in the country.
• BJP came to power in 1998 as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance but lost
in 2004 elections,
• In 2014 elections BJP and its allies (NDA) have got the majority aria formed the
government at the center.

(3) Bahujan Samaj Party :

• Kanshi Ram formed this party in 1984 for the welfare of bahujan samaj which
included dalits, adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities,
• It was inspired from the ideas and teachings of Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Dr.
B.R. Ambedkar and others.
• It has main base in UP, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and
Punjab.
• It has formed government in UP several times with the help of other parties,
• In 2004 elections, it has won 19 seats in the Lok Sabha.
• Party is an expression of dalit

(4) Communist Party of India (Marxist) :

• Founded in 1964, it believes in Marxism- Leninism. It opposes imperialism and

communalism.
• It stresses on the need for India to become self-dependent economically and to escape
from the clutches of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund,
• It is critical of liberalisation of economy,
• The party has been in power for 30 years in West Bengal without a break.
• In 2004 elections, it won 43 seats in the Lok Sabha and supported the UPA
government from outside.

(5) Communist Party of India :

• It was founded in 1925 and believes in Marxism- Leninism, secularism and

democracy.
• It has accepted parliamentary democracy as a means of promoting the interests of the
working class, farmers and the poor,
• It became weak due to split in 1964 that led to the formation of CPI(M).
• Party favours communal harmony, secularism and prevention of misuse of religious
places for disruptive activities,
• The party has achieved success in the states of Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In 2004, Lok Sabha elections, it had secured 1.4 per cent
votes and 10 seats.
• It supported the UPA government from outside.

(6) Nationalist Congress Party :

• It was formed in 1999 due to split in the Congress party.

• It favours democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity, social justice and federalism,
 • It advocates that high offices like Prime Minister should be confined to natural born
citizens of the country,
• It is a major party in Maharashtra and coalition partner of Congress,
• It was part of UPA government at the Center.

Question 8.
Describe in brief the recent efforts that have been made in India to reform political parties
and its leaders.
Answer:
Recent efforts to reform political parties and its leaders are as given below :

(1) Anti-defection law : In India, many elected representatives started indulging in changing
party allegiance from the party on which a person got elected to a different party in order to
become ministers or for cash rewards. So in order to curb this tendency, anti-defection law
was passed. It says that if any MLA or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the seat in the
legislature. Now MPs and MLAs have to obey the decisions of the party.

(2) Filing of an affidavit : The Supreme Court has made it mandatory for every candidate
who contests an election to file an affidavit giving details of his property and criminal cases
pending against him. This has been done to reduce the influence of money and criminals.

(3) Hold organisational elections : The Election Commission has made it necessary for
political parties to hold their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.