Political Parties in India
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Questions and Answers

How do political parties shape public opinion?

  • By opposing pressure groups
  • By maintaining silence on societal problems
  • By encouraging disorganization within society
  • By raising and highlighting issues (correct)
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party promotes cultural nationalism as an important part of its political ideology.

    True

    Which regional political party is predominant in Punjab?

  • Uttarakhand Kranti Dal
  • Indian National Lok Dal
  • Shiromani Akali Dal (correct)
  • Jharkhand Mukti Morcha
  • Name the national political party that espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections.

    <p>National Congress Party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The symbol of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is a bow and arrow.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the symbol of the Indian National Lok Dal?

    <p>A pair of spectacles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The party that seeks to secure the interest and welfare of the dalits and oppressed classes is the __________.

    <p>Bahujan Samaj Party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The symbol of the Biju Janata Dal is a ______.

    <p>conch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Bharatiya Janata Party?

    <p>Promotion of social justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major characteristic of the National Congress Party?

    <p>It stands for social justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which regional party is associated with the cycle symbol?

    <p>Manipur People’s Party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following political parties with their primary focus:

    <p>Bharatiya Janata Party = Cultural nationalism National Congress Party = Secularism and welfare Bahujan Samaj Party = Welfare of dalits and oppressed classes Indian National Congress = Freedom struggle and democracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following regional political parties with their symbols:

    <p>Uttarakhand Kranti Dal = chair Nagaland People’s Front = cock Sikkim Democratic Front = umbrella Shiv Sena = bow and arrow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    India adopted a multiparty system due to its uniform social and geographical diversity.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The National Congress Party is a major party in Maharashtra and a coalition partner with the __________.

    <p>Congress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one challenge political parties face all over the world.

    <p>Lack of internal democracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major issue associated with political parties regarding leadership?

    <p>Concentration of power in few leaders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dynastic succession is beneficial for democracy.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What have wealthy individuals and companies been known to do in elections?

    <p>Influence decision-making processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Political parties often do not keep __________ registers.

    <p>membership</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following challenges to political parties with their descriptions:

    <p>Dynastic Succession = Power is concentrated within select families Money Power = Wealthy candidates influencing elections Muscle Power = Support from individuals with criminal backgrounds Lack of Transparency = Open procedures are rarely practiced</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a practice that has been implemented to reform political parties in India?

    <p>Candidates must present affidavits disclosing properties and pending cases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Parties regularly conduct internal elections.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one result of parties favoring certain individuals for leadership positions?

    <p>Lack of opportunities for ordinary workers to rise to top positions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge posed by dynastic succession in Indian political parties?

    <p>Unfairness to non-family members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dynastic succession leads to greater internal democracy within political parties.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do state or regional political parties contribute to democracy in India?

    <p>By providing diverse choices and a platform for social groups to voice their demands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    State and regional political parties provide a variety of ______ to people as each has different agendas.

    <p>choice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components related to political parties:

    <p>Dynastic Succession = Lack of internal democracy State Parties = Variety of choices for voters Coalition Government = Power sharing Unfair Leadership Practices = Favoring family members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT one of the three components of a political party?

    <p>Legislators</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A multi-party system means that voters have more choices compared to a one-party system.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one ideology of the Bhartiya Janata Party?

    <p>It wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A political party is an association of people who come together to ____ elections.

    <p>contest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following party systems with their characteristics:

    <p>One-party system = No choice for voters Two-party system = Power shifts between two parties Multi-party system = Can lead to political instability Democratic system = Provides a choice for voters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately represents a challenge in a two-party system?

    <p>It often leads to voters having limited choices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Bhartiya Janata Party supports banning religious conversions in India.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one feature of the active members in a political party.

    <p>They attend party meetings and assist the party leaders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one role of political parties in a democratic society?

    <p>They shape public opinion on relevant issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Political parties provide easier access to government machinery for ordinary citizens.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to political parties when they lose an election?

    <p>They become the opposition party.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Without political parties, elected candidates would be __________ and unable to make policies.

    <p>independent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each function of political parties with its corresponding description:

    <p>Making laws = Debating and passing legislation Running government = Preparing councils of ministers Providing access = Connecting citizens with welfare schemes Opposition role = Criticizing ruling party's policies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did the necessity for political parties increase in the last hundred years?

    <p>Many countries gained independence and adopted democratic governments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Having no political parties leads to a stable and organized government.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major consequence of not having political parties in a democracy?

    <p>It would lead to chaos and a lack of accountability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Political Parties

    • Political parties shape public opinion by highlighting issues, enlisting member support across the country, and initiating movements. Public opinion often mirrors party stances.
    • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) draws inspiration from ancient Indian culture and values. Key features include full territorial integration of Jammu and Kashmir, a uniform civil code, and a ban on religious conversions. Hindutva is a core component.
    • The Indian National Congress Party (INC) advocates for secularism and minority/weaker sections' welfare. Key features include preference for natural-born citizens in high office, social justice, federalism, and a presence in key states like Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam. The INC is a member of the United Progressive Alliance.
    • The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) draws inspiration from Sahu Maharaj. It aims to uplift Dalits and marginalized groups, representing other backward castes, and religious minorities, and derives inspiration from leaders like Mahatma Phule, Periyar, Ramaswami Naicker, and Dr. Ambedkar.
    • A political party is a coalition of individuals seeking political power through elections, united by shared policies. Key components include leaders, active members, and followers.

    Types of Party Systems

    • A multiparty system has several parties contesting elections. India adopts this due to its diverse social and geographical makeup, allowing various viewpoints representation.
    • In a multi-party system, power often alternates between multiple parties through coalition government. A clear decision-making and implementation process is ensured, however this system sometimes results in a messy and unstable government.
    • The three main features of a two-party system include power changes between the two dominant parties, the winner forming the government and the loser acting as major opposition, and a prompt and efficient decision-making process.

    Challenges to Political Parties

    • Internal Democracy: Lack of internal democracy is a major challenge in political parties worldwide. The focus of power often lies with a select few leaders, rather than involving all party members in decision-making. Membership registers aren't kept regularly, and information isn't readily shared within the organization. This often leads to the party not adequately representing perspectives other than those of the leadership.
    • Dynastic Succession: The tendency for power to remain within a single family within a party is a significant challenge. Top leaders may favor family members, often overlooking individuals with experience or wider popularity, creating a less democratic environment for party leadership.
    • Money and Muscle Power: Financial clout and intimidation tactics can contribute to party success or gain. This trend distorts the democratic outcome, as candidates with considerable wealth and potentially criminal backgrounds gain election advantages.
    • Lack of meaningful voter choice: In some political systems, parties lack significant ideological differences, which can leave voters without meaningful choices between different parties.

    Reforms for Political Parties

    • Anti-defection laws are implemented to curb the switching of elected officials between political parties, aimed at reducing political instability.
    • Supreme Court rulings mandate candidates submit affidavits concerning property and pending legal cases, intending to limit the influence of money and criminal records in electoral processes.
    • The Election Commission mandate organizational elections and income tax filing for parties is meant to enhance transparency and accountability.

    Functions of Political Parties

    • Parties contest elections.
    • They formulate policies and programs.
    • Parties play a crucial role in forming and running governments.
    • They advocate for policies to the government.
    • Political parties provide a platform for interests and opinions, and help mobilize voters.
    • They shape public opinion.

    Regional Parties

    • State or regional parties focus on local issues and concerns in specific regions of a country.

    Role of Parties in Democracy

    • Political parties are essential for a functioning democracy. They provide a crucial link between citizens and government by translating public interests into policy proposals.

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    Description

    Explore the pivotal roles of major political parties in India, including BJP, INC, and BSP. Understand their ideologies, key features, and impact on public opinion and governance. This quiz delves into the nuances that shape Indian politics today.

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