Political Parties – Very Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 10 — Political Science (Civics)
Chapter: Democratic Politics – II | Chapter 4: Political Parties — Very Short Answer Questions
Class
Class 10 (CBSE)
Subject
Social Science — Political Science (Civics)
Chapter
Political Parties — Meaning, Functions & Reforms
Topic 1 — Basics: What are Political Parties? (10 Qs)
Q1. What is a political party?
A political party is an organised group of people who seek to gain political power through elections and influence government policies.
Q2. Why do we need political parties?
We need parties to contest elections, form governments, provide choices to voters, and link people with the state.
Q3. Name two basic elements of a political party.
Organised membership and a shared political programme or ideology.
Q4. How do parties help in representation?
They aggregate diverse interests and present them through policies and elected representatives.
Q5. Give one sentence definition of a political party suitable for exams.
A political party is a group of people organised to contest elections and hold power in the government.
Q6. Can a party exist without contesting elections?
Typically no; contesting elections is a core function, though parties may engage in other political activities too.
Q7. What is the role of parties in forming governments?
The majority party or coalition forms the government and selects the Prime Minister or Chief Minister.
Q8. Do political parties exist in all democracies?
Yes, most modern democracies have political parties to organise political competition and governance.
Q9. Mention one link between parties and citizens.
Parties communicate policies to citizens and mobilise them to vote and participate in politics.
Q10. List one reason parties are important for decision-making.
They coordinate and simplify choices, making collective decision-making practical in large societies.
Topic 2 — Meaning & Functions of Political Parties (12 Qs)
Q11. What does 'function' of a political party mean?
A function is a specific role or activity performed by a party, like contesting elections or shaping public opinion.
Q12. Name two electoral functions of parties.
Selecting candidates and running election campaigns.
Q13. How do parties 'form and run governments'?
By winning a majority in legislature and appointing ministers to implement policies and laws.
Q14. Give one example of how parties shape public opinion.
Through manifestos, rallies, speeches, and media campaigns explaining their policies.
Q15. Mention one social integration function of parties.
Parties bring together people from different social groups and represent their collective interests.
Q16. How do parties recruit political leaders?
By encouraging members to take leadership roles, contest local elections, and train them for public office.
Q17. What is 'opposition' role of parties?
Opposition parties critique government policies and hold it accountable on behalf of citizens.
Q18. State one way parties provide choice to voters.
By presenting different policy alternatives and candidates for elections.
Q19. How do parties help in policymaking?
Parties frame policies in their manifestos and government implements them when in power.
Q20. What is a party manifesto?
A manifesto is a document where a party outlines its policies and promises before elections.
Q21. Name one administrative function of parties.
Providing trained personnel for administration and governance.
Q22. Why is voter mobilisation important?
It ensures public participation in elections and strengthens democratic legitimacy.
Topic 3 — Types of Parties & Introduction to Major Parties (10 Qs)
Q23. What is a national party?
A national party has a presence and support across several states and contests national-level elections.
Q24. What is a regional party?
A regional party has influence mainly in one or a few states and focuses on local issues.
Q25. Give one difference between national and regional parties.
National parties operate across the country; regional parties focus on state-level concerns.
Q26. Mention one feature of left-wing parties.
They generally support social equality, welfare policies, and wealth redistribution.
Q27. Mention one feature of right-wing parties.
They often emphasize tradition, free market policies, and national security.
Q28. What is a centrist party?
A centrist party holds moderate views and often balances policies between left and right.
Q29. Why are regional parties important in India?
They represent local interests, languages, and regional concerns within the federal system.
Q30. Give one factual example of a national party in India.
Examples: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or Indian National Congress (INC). (Use as factual examples only.)
Q31. Give one factual example of a regional party.
Examples: Trinamool Congress (West Bengal), DMK (Tamil Nadu), or Akali Dal (Punjab).
Q32. What is coalition politics?
When no party gains majority, two or more parties join together to form a government—a coalition.
Topic 4 — Challenges Faced by Political Parties (12 Qs)
Q33. What is internal democracy?
Internal democracy means holding fair internal elections and allowing member participation in decision-making.
Q34. How does lack of internal democracy affect parties?
It leads to concentration of power, factionalism, and alienation of party workers.
Q35. What is dynastic politics?
When party leadership is passed within a family rather than on merit, it is called dynastic politics.
Q36. Why is money power a challenge?
Excessive money in elections can buy influence, reduce fairness, and favour wealthier candidates.
Q37. What is criminalisation of politics?
Entry of people with criminal records into politics, often using coercion or money for influence.
Q38. How does factionalism weaken a party?
Internal rivalries split support, distract leadership, and can cause formal splits in the party.
Q39. Mention one problem caused by weak grassroots organisation.
It reduces parties' ability to mobilise voters and respond to local issues effectively.
Q40. What does decline in ideology mean?
Parties dilute core beliefs to win votes, leading to unclear policy positions.
Q41. Why is lack of transparency in funding harmful?
It encourages corruption, hidden influences, and undermines public trust in politics.
Q42. How can criminalisation be checked?
By strict laws, speedy trials, public disclosure of candidates' records, and voter awareness.
Q43. What role does media play in party challenges?
Media can both expose wrongdoing and amplify populist messages; bias or sensationalism can distort public view.
Q44. Give one short effect of frequent party splits.
Frequent splits lead to political instability and voter confusion.
Topic 5 — Reforms to Strengthen Political Parties (12 Qs)
Q45. What is one measure to improve internal democracy?
Hold regular internal elections for party offices and candidate selection processes.
Q46. How can party funding be made transparent?
By requiring public disclosure of donors and adopting limits on donations and expenditure.
Q47. What is public funding of parties?
State-provided funds to parties to reduce dependence on private money and level the playing field.
Q48. How can candidate selection be improved?
Use transparent, merit-based procedures and involve local party members in selection.
Q49. What is the role of training in party reform?
Training prepares leaders and workers with skills in governance, ethics, and public administration.
Q50. How can parties reduce dynastic politics?
By encouraging wider participation, promoting merit-based leadership, and fair internal contests.
Q51. What law-related reform can curb criminalisation?
Disqualify convicted persons from contesting elections and ensure speedy legal processes.
Q52. How can grassroots organisation be strengthened?
By creating active local units, membership drives, and regular local outreach programs.
Q53. Why is an ethics code useful for parties?
An internal ethics code promotes accountability and sets standards for leaders and workers.
Q54. How can voter awareness help reform parties?
Informed voters demand cleaner politics, hold representatives accountable, and avoid electing criminals.
Q55. Mention one technological reform for parties.
Use digital platforms for transparent fundraising, candidate selection votes, and wider member engagement.
Q56. Give one quick step governments can take to reform parties.
Enact laws for mandatory financial disclosure by parties and independent audits of party accounts.