Political Party Functions and Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of political parties in a democracy?

To contest elections and hold power in the government (correct)

To provide education to the public

To maintain economic growth

To establish international relations

Which of the following components is NOT part of a political party?

Followers

Active members

Leaders

Voters (correct)

Why are political parties essential in a democracy?

To ensure the success of specific leaders

To maintain democracy and ensure representation (correct)

To keep the citizens isolated

To control the military

What role do defeated political parties play?

They play the role of opposition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following functions do political parties perform?

Shape public opinion Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the methods by which political parties check the government?

Using various means of accountability Signup and view all the answers

In the context of political parties, what does unity in diversity refer to?

Bringing together various groups while respecting differences Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ways political parties provide access to welfare schemes?

By implementing government schemes Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of party systems mentioned?

Single-party, dual-party, multi-party Signup and view all the answers

Which of these functions does NOT belong to political parties?

Providing personal loans to members Signup and view all the answers

In which system is only one party allowed to control the government?

One Party System Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following countries exemplifies a One Party System?

China Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Two Party System?

Only two parties compete for power, shifting dominance between them. Signup and view all the answers

Which two parties are primarily involved in the Two Party System of the USA?

Republican Party and Democratic Party Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a Multi-Party System from the other systems?

Multiple parties compete for power with a chance of forming alliances. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of formations that can occur in a Multi-Party System?

Alliance or Coalition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a One Party System?

Free competition for power is encouraged. Signup and view all the answers

In a Two Party System, what typically happens to smaller parties?

They may exist but rarely win significant power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an alliance formed between multiple parties in a Multi-Party System?

Front Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following systems allows several parties to compete, with more than two having reasonable chances of power?

Multi-Party System Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for a party to be recognized as a national political party?

Securing a minimum of six percent of total votes in Lok Sabha and winning at least four seats Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following parties is currently leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)?

Indian National Congress (INC) Signup and view all the answers

What qualifies a party to be considered a state political party?

Securing at least six percent of the total votes in an assembly election and winning at least two seats Signup and view all the answers

How many national political parties were recognized as of April 2023?

6 Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for national political parties to have units in various states?

They follow uniform national policies and programs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a national political party?

Winning a state assembly election Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of votes required for a party to be recognized as a state party?

6% of total votes Signup and view all the answers

What type of political party won at least six percent of votes in four states and at least four seats in Lok Sabha?

National party Signup and view all the answers

Which party was established in 1980?

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about national political parties is true?

They have units in various states and follow national policies. Signup and view all the answers

Which party was founded by Kanshi Ram and focuses on the rights of Dalits and oppressed people?

Bahujan Samaj Party Signup and view all the answers

What ideology does the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) strongly believe in?

Marxism and Leninism Signup and view all the answers

Which political party aims to challenge the current dynamics of party politics in India by proposing laws to regulate internal democracy?

Aam Aadmi Party Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the proposed reforms to improve political party dynamics in India?

Introduce state funding for political parties Signup and view all the answers

Which political party currently has a strong influence in Maharashtra?

Nationalist Congress Party Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an affidavit in the context of political party candidates?

To provide details about their financial status and criminal cases Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do political parties face concerning the influence of money?

Increase of money power in party politics Signup and view all the answers

Which state has the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) been notably strong in?

Kerala Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of the Election Commission in relation to political parties?

To oversee the internal democracy within parties Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue leading to a lack of meaningful choice for voters?

Defections and lack of policy differences among parties Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Party

A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
Components of a Political Party:
- Leaders
- Active members
- Followers
Necessity of Political Parties:
- Maintain democracy
- Maintain unity in diversity
- Check the government
- Link between government and the public

Functions of Political Parties

Contest elections: Party members and supporters in the USA, and party leaders in India, choose candidates.
Create policies and programs
Create laws for the country
Form and run the government
Play the role of opposition
Shape public opinion
Provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes

How Many Parties Should We Have?

Three types of party systems:
- One-party system: Only one party controls the government. Examples are China.
- Two-party system: Power changes between two main parties. Examples are the USA.
- Multi-party system: Several parties compete for power, and more than two may come to power. Examples are India.

National and State Political Parties

National Political Parties:
- 6% of votes in Lok Sabha elections and win at least 4 seats
- 6% of votes in 4 state assembly elections and win 4 seats in Lok Sabha
- Wide range of units and follow the same policies and programs as decided at a national level.
State Political Parties:
- 6% of votes in state assembly elections and win at least 2 seats

Political Parties (Specific Examples)

Indian National Congress (INC): Oldest political party in the world, established in 1885, currently leads the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), established in 1980, wishes to build a strong and modern India, currently leads the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) established in 1984, by Kanshi Ram, strives to represent Dalits and marginalized people.
Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPI-M), established in 1964, believes in Marxism and Leninism, holds political influence in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura.
Communist Party of India (CPI), established in 1925, believes in Marxism, Leninism, secularism, and democracy.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), established in 1999, holds significant influence in Maharashtra.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), established in 2011, aiming to be a national level party.

Challenges and Reforms in Political Parties

Challenges:
- Lack of internal democracy
- Dynastic succession
- Increase in money power
- Increase in muscle power
- Lack of meaningful choice to voters
- Defection
Reforms:
- Law to regulate internal democracy in political parties
- End of dynastic succession
- Government funding of elections
- Political parties to file Income Tax Returns
- Quota for women
- Public participation increase
- Compulsory affidavits for candidates
- Preventing defection

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Description

This quiz explores the vital roles and functions of political parties, including their necessity in maintaining democracy and governance. It also examines different party systems, such as one-party, two-party, and multi-party systems, providing insights into how they operate and influence government dynamics.