Chapter 6: Political Parties
Q:1. What is political party?
Ans:1. A political party is an organised voluntary group of people who act as a political unit and hold similar views. They come together to contest elections and form the government, if they win. The members agree on a common programme ideology fundamental principles and general policy. The aim is to promote the collective good.
The three components of a political party are:
a) leaders B) active members c) followers
Q:2. Stayed the various functions political parties perform in a democracy
i. Political parties contest elections the party candidates may be chosen either by members and supporters. E.g. in USA or by top party leaders. E.g. in India.
ii. Formulation of policies and programmes: these are put before voters as a manifesto. The reduced a vast multitude of opinions into a few basic opinions according to their beliefs. This sells the government to basics policies on the lines taken by the ruling party.
iii. Making laws (legislation) for the country: since most members of the legislature belong to a political party, they go by the direction of the party leaders in debating and passing laws.
iv. Parties form along governments: Parties take big policy decisions. They also provide training for ministers. That is the political executive.
v. Role of opposition parties: displayed by parties with secured less votes. They are different views and keep a check on the policy will workings of the ruling party. They act as a restraining force.
vi. Parties shape public opinion: they raise and highlight issues, Countrywide. They may launch movements and even mobilise pressure groups and support to solve problems.
vii. Parties act as the link between the people and the government. They provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes which are implemented by the government. At the same time they have to be responsive to the needs of the people and the parties to try to ensure this.
Q:3. Point out three ways by which political parties can shape public opinion.
Ans:3. i. They raise and highlight issues. Parties of lakhs of members and activists read all across the country.
ii. Many of the pressure groups and extensions of political parties among different sections of society.
iii. Party sometimes also launch movements for the resolution of problems faced by the people. Often opinions on the society crystallise on the lines parties take.
Q:4. What are the characteristics of a political party?
Ans:4. i. A certain organisation: the political parties and organised group of persons were expected to be aware of the role and responsibilities in the party. The party is a certain structure leaders, members and supporters.
ii. Common aims Unity of purpose: party members are required to hold common views on various issues. They adhere to a common ideology and objectives. Members of the party work in accordance with party goals and policies only.
iii. Parties uphold constitutional means: to capture political power would participate in elections and abide by the verdict of the votary in true democratic spirit.
iv. policy-making: a party adheres to its already declared policy if voted to power. They have to fulfil promises made to voters. The ruling parties must promote national interests.
v. Plays a role of watchdog as opposition: they act as a restraining force. The voice different opinions and keep a check on policies and working of the government, and raise opposition in case of a wrong policy decision.
Q:5. While modern democracies cannot exist without political parties?
Ans:5. i. In a party less democracy every candidate would be independent. The citizens would have to look into too many promises and manifestoes before an election, voters would therefore have to examine a multitude of opinions and get confused a few political parties can minimise such confusion and complications.
ii. A government formed by independent candidates would present a confused situation. Its stability would remain uncertain because several individual representatives would have several choices plans, policies, aims and programmes. It would therefore be difficult to coordinate and integrate programs and have major balance policies. Political parties are hence necessary as each party is a cohesive, organised group with a common policy of its own party discipline helps in the systematic working of the legislature. Parties bring representatives together to form responsible government.
iii. Without political parties, the Independent elected representatives would be accountable to the local voters for their work that member. The simmered in fresh thing of Patiala company is allocated the simmered in fresh thing of the Patiala is to their respective constituencies. They may fail to be responsible for the country runs. On the other hand, political parties can best represent the large-scale societies. The gathered different views and bring representatives together, support or restrain government, justify or oppose policies as a political group. They shoulder responsibility towards the country and fulfil the needs of the representative government.
Q:6. Name the three types of party systems of the world.
Ans:6. A party system is identified by the number of political parties in the country. The three systems are:
1. Single party or uni party system. E.g. in China (Communist party)
2. Bi party system (two parties) – USA (Democrats and Republicans) and UK (Conservative and Labour).
3. Multi-party systems – India (many).
Q:7. What are features of uni party system? Also write merits and demerits.
Ans:7. 1. FEATURES: i. There is only one mass political party which contests and runs the government. There is no power-sharing.
ii. This single party is a powerful party and exists by ideological reasons or coercion. E.g. the Chinese Communist Party, the German Nazi party. It suppresses other parties and may even be dominated by a popular leader.
iii. if people are free to form political parties in the country. This does not really happen because electoral system does not permit free competition for power.
2. MERITS: i. There is no political competition therefore government has greater stability.
ii. There is equal exchange of opinion with party members join discussions are taken by majority vote.
3. DEMERITS: i. The single party system is an undemocratic system because amounts to be dictatorship of one-party. Such a rule denies political rights and freedom to the people. Governments have complete monopoly over mass media.
ii. the single party in power can be coercive and may curtail dissent, the opposition severely. It can therefore create an atmosphere of fear, suspicion and dissatisfaction.
iii. the government’s new to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of all people. It may neglect minorities.
iv. if people are free to form political parties in the legal sense, this is not really happen because the electoral system does not permit free competition for power.
Q:8. What other features bi-arty system? Also write merits and demerits.
Ans:8. FEATURES: i. There are 2 political parties contesting for power. Government is formed by the party which wins the maximum votes. The other party sits in opposition as the political minority.
ii. There may be other minor parties as well which may win a few seats in the legislature, but these parties are not powerful enough to form the government.
2. MERITS: i. Stable government: is assured as the ruling party has a clear and absolute majority. It is therefore unlikely that it would lose the confidence of the house.
ii. Constant Policies: The ruling party has a full term to formulate and implement its policies. It has enough time to fulfil the promises made to citizens at the time of election.
iii. Voters choice is simplified: as there are only two clear manifestoes. The voters are clear about which policy to expect of which party.
iv. Strong and effective opposition: as only one party has political minority and usually has many members.
3. DEMERITS: i. Voters choice is limited as they can only choose between two ideologies. If they don’t favour either, they have no other choice.
ii. Neglect of Minorities: Both parties may not adequately represent minority groups.
iii. Cabinet Dictatorship: is possible in a bi-party system because the ruling party enjoys an absolute majority and cannot be easily removed.
Q:9. What are the features of multi-party system?
Ans:9. i. Free competition between several parties: Were more than two parties competing for power. Several parties are represented in the legislature.
ii. Coalition governments are possible if no party has an absolute majority. In a joint government, parties may not be of equal strength.
iii. System of Alliance and Fronts: Several parties may join hands to form an alliance to contest election and come to power. E.g. National Democratic Alliance, United Progressive Alliance, left front, etc.
Q:10. What are the merits and demerits of multi-party system?
Ans:10. MERITS: i. A democratic system, which allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation. Voters have a wider choice of parties and different manifestoes to choose from.
ii. More political opportunities – More parties can get an opportunity to do if they are part of a coalition. Many sections of society can form parties to represent their specific interests.
iii. There is an absence of Cabinet dictatorship: as a multitude of parties are represented in the legislatures.
DEMERITS: i. Weak and unstable governments: Political instability is due to selfish interests and political opportunism of too many parties. Sometimes a hung parliament makes it difficult to form a government. Since coalition government is based on compromise, it can collapse any time if a party withdraws support even on minor disagreements.
ii. Confused voters: Due to too many manifestoes and candidates, voters may find it difficult to decide whom to vote for.
iii. No actual accountability to voters by coalition government because the different parties must form the coalition blamed each other for lapses and insistent and incoherent policies.
Q:11. In which two kinds of political parties are present in a democratic federal system?
Ans:11. National Parties: are countrywide parties
i. they are large, established parties and have their units in various states. These units follow the specific policies and ideologies of their party
ii. These parties cover a large range of national issues.
iii. The criteria laid down by the election commission to recognise a national party is that it should have secured at least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha election or assembly election in atleast four states of India and win at least four seats in Lok Sabha.
iv. The EC allots the party symbol release parties
v. e.g. IMC, BJP, BSP, CPI – M, CPI, NCP
Regional or State Parties: are region-based parties
i. State or regional parties are also recognised by election commission if the party secured at least 6% of the total votes in an election to the legislative assembly of the state and should win at least two seats.
ii. They have limited regional influence and deal mostly with regional issues but they need not be regional in their outlook and ideology.
iii. In India, some of these parties are all India parties, which have succeeded only in some states, e.g., Samajwadi party, Samata party, Rashtriya Janata Dal.
iv. Some regional parties are conscious about this state identity, e.g. Biju Janata Dal, Mizo National front, Sikkim Democratic Front, etc.
v. Some regional parties are: Shrimonani Akali Dal(badal), AIADMK, DMK, RJD, Jammu and Kashmir National conference, TRS, etc.
Q:12. What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
Ans:12. i. Lack of internal democracy: power is concentrated in the hands of one or a few top party leaders. Parties do not keep membership register or hold for proper organised meetings and internal elections regularly. Members cannot influence decisions due to lack of information about party policy and matters. This is bad for the democracy.
ii. Dynastic succession: Established leaders are so powerful that they often favoured family and friends in controlling top positions. The persons merit, experience and popular support are not considered. In the absence of open and transparent policies, ordinary people find it difficult to rise to the top ranks in the party.
iii. Role of money and muscle power in Democratic politics: these shortcuts are used by political parties to win elections. They try to nominate those candidates who can raise a lot of money. Some rich people and companies also give funds and try to influence the policies and decisions. In some cases, parties support criminals who can win elections.
iv. Lack of meaningful choice to voters: most parties have little ideological differences. They tend to agree on more fundamental aspects, but differ only on detailed policy decisions and their implementations. The choice of different leaders is also limited because leaders keep defecting or shifting from one party to another.
Q:13. Suggest some reforms to strengthen political parties so that they perform their functions well.
Ans:13. A) Current Reforms:
i. Constitutional Amendment and Anti-Defection Law has had to check the practice of defection. Defection means changing party allegiance from the parties from which the MP or MLA gets elected, and joining another party. This may be for selfish aspirations like cash rewards or becoming a minister. According to the law, members will lose seats in the legislature. Dissent has become even more difficult and MPs and MLAs have to accept the decisions of party leaders.
ii. System of affidavit: in order to reduce the influence of money on criminals, the Supreme Court of India has made it mandatory for contesting candidates to file an affidavit, giving details of property as well as any criminal cases pending against him or her.
iii. Order of election commission: the EC has passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold the organisational elections and file their income tax returns. However, sometimes this is considered just a formality may not mean real internal democracy.
i. Laws should be made to ensure internal democracy in political parties so that the register members, follow the Constitution, elect their leaders solve party disputes independently.
ii. Another suggestion is to make it mandatory to reserve one third seats for women in election and have a quota of them in the decision-making bodies.
iii. There should be also state funding of elections, e.g. in kind, like a true, paper, telephone, etc. all in cash, on the basis of votes secured by the party in the previous election.
iv. Ordinary people can put pressure on political parties to petitions, publicity, agitations, pressure groups and movements to become more democratic.
v. Political parties can improve it. Those want serious reforms join the political parties and directly participate in their functioning. Instead of criticising from the outside. So bad policies can be replaced by better politics.
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