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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate17 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
This chapter explains the role and necessity of political parties in a democracy, highlighting their functions such as contesting elections and holding power, forming governments, shaping public opinion, and providing access to government schemes. It also discusses the challenges faced by political parties, including lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, and the influence of money and muscle power. Furthermore, the chapter introduces the national and state parties in India, elaborating on their significance in federal governance.
Key Topics
- •Functions of political parties
- •Challenges to political parties
- •Party systems
- •National and state parties
- •Political reforms
- •Role of opposition
- •Internal democracy enforcement
- •Influence of money and muscle power
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the essential functions of political parties
- ✓Identify the challenges faced by political entities
- ✓Recognize different types of party systems globally
- ✓Evaluate the importance of multiparty systems
- ✓Suggest reforms for political party improvement
- ✓Analyze the role of opposition in democratic governance
Questions in Chapter
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
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What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
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Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
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What is a political party?
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A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a _____________________.
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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
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What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party? A. Bahujan Samaj B. Revolutionary democracy C. Integral humanism D. Modernity
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain the significance of multiparty systems in India.
mediumAnswer: The multiparty system in India allows for diverse representation, accommodating the country's vast cultural and regional variety. It prevents dominance by a single party and enables coalitions and alliances across diverse political spectrums.
What are the proposed reforms to improve the functioning of political parties?
hardAnswer: Reforms include ensuring internal democracy, increasing transparency in party funding, reducing the influence of muscle and money power, and providing more opportunities for women and marginalized groups within the party structure.
Discuss the role of opposition parties in a democracy.
mediumAnswer: Opposition parties are vital for a democracy as they hold the ruling party accountable, question government policies, and represent alternative viewpoints and policies, eventually shaping larger political discourse.
What challenges do political parties face regarding internal democracy?
hardAnswer: Challenges include concentration of power with top leaders, lack of regular internal elections, absence of transparent procedures, and dynastic succession, which hinder growth and representation of ordinary members.
Identify different types of party systems and provide examples.
easyAnswer: There are three main types of party systems: one-party system (e.g., China), two-party system (e.g., USA, UK), and multiparty system (e.g., India), each differing in the number of parties holding meaningful influence.