NCERT Solutions for Chapter 6 Political Parties Class 10 Civics
Book Solutions1
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
Answer
• In most democracies, candidates are put forward by political parties to contest in elections. These candidates may be chosen by the top leaders, or by members of the party.• Political parties make policies and programmes for the welfare of the people and voters choose those parties whose policies they like the most.
• Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country. Candidates from the ruling party form the majority members of legislature and executive who implement laws.
• Political parties form and run governments. Party which wins the majority, forms the government and governs according to the policies and ideology of the political party.
• Those parties who are unable to make the government perform the role of opposition and try to raise and highlight those issues that the current government is unable to resolve.
• Political parties shape public opinion by raising and highlighting issues. Parties also raise issues of matter to the public in front of the government.
• Party members provide citizens access to government schemes. They are more approachable than government officers since parties have to be responsive to people’s demands which ensures them support .of the people in elections.
Exercises
Page Number 87
2
What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
Answer
• Lack of internal democracy: Although democracy functions with the help of political parties but very often lack of internal democracy within the party can be seen. Generally, the power within the party is concentrated in the hands of one or two leaders. Every member of the party does not have a chance to take part in decision-making process. Even they do not conduct regular elections for office bearers or keep membership registers. Ordinary members have no information about the internal working of the party.• Dynastic succession: With power in the hands of a few top leaders, all party positions go to their family members. This is against the democracy and is a hindrance for ordinary citizens, who aspire to join politics.
• Money and muscle power: Rich people and companies who give funds to the parties tend to have influence on the policies and decisions of the party.
• No meaningful choice: Most of the political parties have same fundamental and ideological issues. Voters do not have a meaningful choice. Even leaders keep changing parties, thus confusing the voter.
Exercises
Page Number 87
3
Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
Answer
• A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties. There should be open elections for all posts and parties should maintain a register of members.
• It should be mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about 1/3rd to the women candidates.
• There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to support the election expenses.
Exercises
Page Number 87
4
What is a political party?
Answer
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. A political party has three important components:
(i) Party Leadership
(ii) Party members
(iii) Party Followers.
Exercises
Page Number 87
5
What are the characteristics of a political party?
Answer
• A political party has members who agree on some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote common good.
• Since there can be different views on what is good for all, parties try to persuade people why their policies are better than others.
• It seeks to implement the policies by winning popular support through elections.
• A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
Exercises
Page Number 87
6
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a _____________.
Answer
Political Party
Exercises
Page Number 87
7
Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I | List II | ||
1. | Congress Party | Α. | National Democratic Alliance |
2. | Bharatiya Janata Party | Β. | State party |
3. | Communist Party of India (Marxist) | C. | United Progressive Alliance |
4. | Telugu Desam party | D. | Left Front |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
(a) | C | A | B | D |
(b) | C | D | A | B |
(c) | C | A | D | B |
(d) | D | C | A | B |
Answer
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
(c) | C | A | D | B |
Exercises
Page Number 87
8
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
Answer
A. Kanshi Ram
Exercises
Page Number 87
9
What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
A. Bahujan Samaj
B. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity
Answer
D. Modernity
Exercises
Page Number 87
10
Consider the following statements on parties.
A. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
B. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
C. Parties are not necessary to run governments.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B, and C
(b) A and B
(c) B and C
(d) A and C
Answer
(b) A and B
Exercises
Page Number 88
11
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
Muhammad Yunus is a famous economist of Bangladesh. He received several international honours for his efforts to promote economic and social development for the benefit of the poor. He and the Grameen Bank he started jointly, received the Nobel Peace Prize for the 2006. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party and contest in the parliamentary elections. His objective was to foster proper leadership, good governance and build a new Bangladesh. He felt that only a political party different from the traditional ones would bring about new political culture. His party would be democratic from the grassroots level.
The launching of the new party, called Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power), has caused a stir among the Bangladeshis. While many welcomed his decision, some did not like it. “Now I think Bangladesh will have a chance to choose between good and bad and eventually have a good government,” said Shahedul Islam, a government official. “That government, we hope, would not only keep itself away from corruption but also
make fighting corruption and black money a top priority.”
But leaders of traditional political parties who dominated the country’s politics for decades were apprehensive. “There was no debate (over him) winning the Nobel, but politics is different – very challenging and often controversial,” said a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Some others were highly critical. They asked why he was rushing into politics. “Is he being planted in politics by mentors from outside the country,” asked one political observer.
Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party?
Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people? How do you want this new party organised to make it different from other parties? If you were the one to begin this political party how would you defend it?
Answer
Muhammad Yunushas done right to float a political party because he wanted to prosper Bangladesh with his policies.I also agree with the fears expressed by various people about his political party that winning a Noble Prize and working in active politics are two very different things.
It is right that Muhammud Yunus has started a political party but his party should have certain characteristics. It should not work under the influence of money and muscle power, and should reject the concept of dynastic succession. It should also regularly hold fair internal elections.
Exercises
Page Number 88