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10th Class - Social Science Civics

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10th Class - Social Science Civics
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Political Parties

Textbook Exercises

Question1.
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy?

Answer:

  • Contesting elections Parties contest-elections. In most democracy, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put up by political-parties. Parties select their candidates in different l ways. In some countries, such as the USA, members and supporters of a party choose its candidates. Now more and more countries are following this method. In other countries like India, top party leaders choose candidates for contesting in elections.
  • Programmes and policies Parties put forward different policies and programmes among which the voters choose. Each of us may have different opinions and views on what policies are suitable for the society. But no government can handle such a large variety of views. In a democracy, a large number of similar opinions , have to be grouped together to provide a direction in which policies can be formulated by the government. This is what the parties do A party reduces a vast multitude of opinions into a few basic positions which it supports. A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the ruling party.
  • Law making Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country. Formally, laws are debated and passed in the legislature. But since most of the members belong to a party, they go by the direction of the party leadership, irrespective of their personal opinions.
  • Form and Run Government Parties form and run government policy, the big decisions are taken by political executive that comes from political parties. Parties recruit leaders train them and then make them ministers to run the government in the way party wants
  • Role of opposition Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power by voicing different views and criticizing government for its failures or wrong policies. Opposition parties also mobilize opposition to the government
  • Shaping Public Opinion Parties shape public opinion. They raise and highlight issues. Parties have lakhs of members and activist spread I all over the country. Many of the pressure groups the extensions of political parties among different sections, Parties sometimes also launch movement for the resolution of problems faced by people. Often opinions in. the society Crystalise on the lines parties take
  • Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by government. For an ordinary citizen it is easy to approach a local party leader than a government officer. That is why they feel close to parties even when they do not fully trust them. Parties have to be responsive to people needs and demands. Otherwise people can reject those parties in the next elections
Question2.
What are the various challenges faced by a political party?

Answer:

  • Lack of internal democracy: The first challenge is that of lack of internal democracy within parties. A,II over the world there is a tendency in political parties towards the concentration of power in one or few leaders at the top Parties do not have open list of its members, do not hold its routine organisational meetings, fail to conduct its internal elections regularly and refuse to share information. Ordinary members of the party do not get sufficient information on what happens inside the party. They do not have the means or the connections needed to influence the decisions. As a result the leaders assume greater power to make decisions in the name of the party. Since one or few leaders exercise paramount power in the party, those who disagree with leadership find it difficult to continue in the party. More than loyalty to party principles and policies, personal loyalty to the leader becomes more important
  • Dynastic succession
    The second challenge of dynastic Succession relates to the first one Since most political parties do practice open and transparent procedures for their functioning, there are very few ways for an ordinary worker to rise to the top in a party. Those who happen to be the leaders are in a position of unfair advantage to favour people close to them or even their family members: In many parties, the top positions are always controlled by members of one family. This is unfair to other members of that party. This is also bad for democracy, since people who do not have adequate experience or popular support come to occupy positions of power. This tendency is present in some measure all over the world. But its effect is stronger in India and its neighbouring democracies
  • Role of money and muscle power
    The third challenge is about the growing role of money and muscle power in parties, especially during elections. Since parties are focussed only on winning elections, they tend to use shortcuts to win elections. They tend to nominate those candidates who have or can raise lots of money. Rich people and companies who give funds to the parties tend to have influence on the policies and decisions of the party. In som cases parties support criminals who can win elections. Democrats all over the world are worried about the increasing role of rich people and big companies in democratic politics.
  • No mean meaningful choice to the voters
    The fourth challenge is that very often parties do not seem to offer a meaningful choice to the voters. In order to offer meaningful choice, parties must be significantly different. In recent years there has been a decline in the ideological differences among parties in most parts of the world. For example, the difference between the Labour Party and the Conservative Party in Britain is very little. They agree on more fundamental aspects but differ only in details on how policies are to be framed and implemented. In our country too, the differences among all the major parties on the economic policies have reduced. Those who want really different policies have no option available to them. Sometimes people cant even elect very different leaders either, because the same set of leaders keep shifting from one party to another.
Question3.
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, It should be made compulsory for political parties to maintain a register of its members, to follow its own constitution, to have an independent authority to act as a judge in case of party disputes, to hold open elections to the highest posts
  • It should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to women candidates. Similarly there should be a quota for women in the decision making bodies of the party
  • There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to support their election expenses. This support could be given in kind petrol, paper, telephone etc. Or it could be given in cash on the basis of the votes secured by the party in the last election
  • People can put pressure on political parties. This can be done through petitions publicity and agitation. Ordinary citizens, pressure groups and movements and the media can play an important role in this. If political parties feel that they would lose public support by not taking up reforms, they would become more serious about reforms
  • Political parties can improve if those who want this join political parties
Question4.
What is a political party?

Answer:A group of people who come together to contest elections, and form and run government by holding power in the government

Question5.
What are the characteristics of a political party?

Answer:

  • A Certain Organization
    • Every party has a certain structure. The group of people is organized in a proper way. Every member is aware of his role and responsibilities in the party.
  • Unity of Purpose
    • All the members agree on some policies and programmes for the society. The party has its own vision and ideology. Every member works in accordance with the goals and objectives of the party.
  • Commitment to Adhere to Constitutional Means
    • All the political parties agree that the competition at the time of elections should be free and fair. They would contest the elections and agree to the results of the voting system.
  • Adhere to its Policies when Voted to Power
    • All the parties have the characteristics that they willadhere to the declared parties have the characteristic that they will policies when voted to power They cannot implement completely different policies after coming to power
Question6.
Group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a .....?

Answer:Political Party

Question7.
Match list 1 (organization and struggles) with list 2 and select the correct answer using the codes given below the list?
List I List II
  • Congress Party
    		•
  • National Democratic Alliance
    		•
  • Bharatiya Janta Party
    		•
  • State Party
    		•
  • Communist Party of India (Marxist)
    		•
  • United Progressive Alliance
    		•
  • Telugu Desam Party
    		•
  • Left Front
    		•

    Answer:

    • C, A, D, B
    Question8.
    Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj party?
    • Kanshiram
    • SahuMaharaj
    • B.RAmbedkar
    • Jotiba phule
    Anwers:
    • Kanshi Ram
    Question9.
    What is the guiding philosophy of the Bhartiya Janta party?
    • Bahujan Samaj
    • Revolutionary democracy
    • Integral humanism
    • Modernity

    Answer:

  • Integral humanism
    • Question10.
    Consider the following statements on parties?
    • Political party do not enjoy much trust among the people
    • Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders
    • Parties are not necessary to run governments
    Which of the statements given above are correct
    • A, B and C
    • A and B
    • B and C
    • A and C

    Answer:

    • A and B
    Question11.
    Read the following passage and answer the question given below. Mohammad Yunus is a famous economist of Bangladesh. He received several international honors for his effort to promote economics and Social Development for benefits of the poor. He and the grameen bank started jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize for the years 2006. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party and contest in the party parliamentary election, His objective was a foster proper leadership, 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 grassroot level. The launching of new party called Nagrik Shakti. (citizen power) has caused a stir Among that Bangladeshi, while many welcomed this 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 politics for decades were apprehensive. There was no debate (over him) winning the Noble, but politics in different-very Challenging and often controversial ," said a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Some other are highly critical. They asked why he was rushing into politics. " Is he 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? 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:

    • Yunus decision to float a new party was right
    • We do agree with Shahedul Islam statement that floating of the new political party may change the political culture of the Country. But we cannot agree with the view of the senior leader of BNP because he feel that the party might prove a threat to his own party
    • The new party should be democratic from the core and give importance to interna! democracy as well
    • It should frame his programmes and policies in such a way that all round development of the country should take place
    • Social integration and equality for all should be kept in mind
    • Since existing parties have not performed their duties Towards their democratic responsibilities upto the standard , so Launching of a new political party is justified
    • Its aim is to foster proper leadership, good governance and build a new Bangladesh
    • The existing political parties are not working towards Strengthening democracy in the country, instead they are busy making Money

    Important Question

    Social Science Class 10 Important Questions Political Science Chapter 6 Political Parties
    Question 1.
    What is meant by a political party?
    Year of Question :(2015 D)

    Answer: Political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and to hold power in the government. They agree on some policies to promote collective good. They seek to implement those policies by winning popular support through elections. Thus political parties tend to fill political offices and exercise political power

    Question 2.
    What are the three main components of a political party?
    Year of Question :(2011 OD)

    Answer:

  • The leaders;
  • The active members; and
  • The followers
    Question 3.
    How many parties are needed in any democratic system to compete in elections and provide a fair chance for the competing parties to come to power?
    Year of Question :(2012 D)

    Answer: At least two parties

    Question 4.
    What is the source of inspiration of the Bhartiya Janata Party?
    Year of Question :(2012 D)

    Answer: The source of inspiration of the Bhartiya Janata Party or the BJP is ancient Indian culture and values

    Question 5.
    In which state does Biju Janata Dal exist as a regional party?
    Year of Question :(2012 D)

    Answer: Odisha (Orissa)

    Question 6.
    In which state does the Rashtriya Lok Dal exist as a regional party?
    Year of Question :(2015 D)

    Answer: Uttar Pradesh

    Question 7.
    What is a recognised political party?
    Year of Question :(2014 D)

    Answer: A recognised political party is a party, recognised by the Election Commission with all the privileges and facilities

    Question 8.
    What does Universal Adult Suffrage stand for?
    Year of Question :(2013 D)

    Answer: Universal Adult suffrage stands for the Right to Vote

    Question 9.
    Given one point of difference between a pressure group and a political party?
    Year of Question :(2013 D)

    Answer: A pressure group is an organized or unorganized body that seeks to promote its interests while a political party is a body that seeks to attain political power by contesting elections

    Question 10.
    Which special privilege is given to recognised political parties by the Election Commission?
    Year of Question :(2014 D)

    Answer: RPP are given a special election symbol. Only official candidates of that party can use the election symbol

    Question 11.
    Name the national political party which draws inspiration from the teachings of Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Naicker and Babasaheb Ambedkar. ?
    Year of Question :(2015 D)

    Answer: Bahujan Samaj Party

    Question 13.
    Name any two regional parties of West Bengal.?
    Year of Question :(2015 D)

    Answer:

    • Forward BLOCK (1940),
    • TRINAMOOL CONGRESS (1997).
    Question 14.
    What is the guiding philosophy of Bhartiya Janata Party?
    Year of Question :(2015 OD)

    Answer: The source of inspiration of Bharatiya Janata Party is the ancient Indian culture and values. Cultural nationalism (Hindutva) is an important element in its conception of Indian nationhood and politics

    Question 15.
    Name any one political party that has national level political organisation but not recognised as a national political party?
    Year of Question :(2016 D)

    Answer: State parties like the Samajwadi Party, Samata Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal have national level political organisations with units in several states but are not recognised as national parties

    Question 16.
    Why did India adopt multi-party system? Give reasons.?
    Year of Question :(2016 OD)

    Answer: India adopted multi-party system because

    • India is a large country and has social and geographical diversities.
    • It is easy to absorb different diversities in a multi-party system.
    Question 17.
    Why do political parties involve partisanship?
    Year of Question :(2016 OD)

    Answer: Partisanship is marked by a tendency to take a side and inability to take a balanced view on an issue. Parties reflect fundamental political divisions in a society. Parties are a part of the society and they involve partisanship

    Question 18.
    Mention the ideology of Indian National Congress?
    Year of Question :(2011 D)

    Answer: Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Indian National Congress sought to build a modern secular democratic republic in India. The party propagates secularism and welfare of the weaker sections and minorities of society. It supports new economic reforms but with a human face

    Question 19.
    Name any one political party of India which grew out of a movement.?
    Year of Question :(2017 OD)

    Answer: Asom Gana Parishad

    Short Answer Questions (SA) 3 Marks

    Question 20.
    Name the national political party which gets inspiration from Indias ancient culture and values. Mention four features of that party?
    Year of Question :(2013 D)

    Answer: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) founded in 1980 draws inspiration from Indias ancient culture and values Features:

    • Cultural Nationalism (Hindutva) is an important element in its conception of Indian nationhood and politics.
    • Wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
    • A uniform civil code for all people living in the country irrespective of religion and ban on religious conversions.
    • Earlier limited to north and west and to urban areas, the party expanded support in the south, east, the north-east and rural areas.
    Question 21.
    "No party system is ideal for all countries and in all situations." Justify the statement with five arguments?
    Year of Question :(2013 D)

    Answer: Parties are a necessary condition for a democracy. The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies. Party system is not something any country can choose. It evolves depending on the nature of society, its social and regional divisions, its history of politics and system of elections Each country develops a party system that is conditioned by its special circumstances

    For example, India has evolved a multi-party system, because of its social and geographical diversity which cannot be easily absorbed by two or three parties. Political parties make policies to promote collective good and there can be different views on what is good for all. Therefore no system is ideal for all countries and situations

    Question 22.
    Describe the three components of a political party.?
    Year of Question :(2014 D)

    Answer: Components of a political party are

    • The leaders,
    • active members and
    • the followers.
    • The leaders are recruited and trained by parties. They are made ministers to run the government. The big policy decisions are taken by the political executives that come from the political parties.
    • Parties have lakhs of members and activists spread over the country. Many of the pressure groups are the extensions of political parties among different sections of society. But since most of the members belong to a party, they go by the direction of the party leadership, irrespective of their personal opinion.
    • The followers are the ordinary citizens, who believe in the policies of their respective party and give popular support through elections. Often the opinion of the followers crystallise on the lines parties take.
    Question 23.
    What is a multi-party system? Why has India adopted a multi-party system?
    Year of Question :(2015 D)

    Answer: Multi-party system. In this system, the government is formed by various parties coming together in a coalition. When several parties in a multi-party system join hands for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power, it is called an alliance or a front

      For example, in India there were three major alliances in 2004 parliamentary elections-the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the Left Front. This system on one hand leads to political instability but at the same time, allows for a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation. Each country develops a party system that is suitable for its special circumstances. India has evolved as a multi-party system because its social and geographical diversity cannot be absorbed by two or three parties. Thus, such representation strengthens democracy. Multi-party system facilitates representation of regional and geographical diversities. In India, several regional parties are in power at the State level such as the DMK in Tamil Nadu, Akali Dal in Punjab the BSP in Uttar Pradesh.
      Question 24.
      "Lack of internal democracy within parties is the major challenge to political parties all over the world". Analyse the statement?
      Year of Question :(2015 D)

      Answer:

      • Most political parties do not practise open and transparent procedures for their functioning like maintaining membership registers, holding organisational meetings or conducting internal elections regularly. Thus, ordinary members of the party do not get sufficient information on the happenings in the party and have no means to influence the decisions.
      • Also, there are very few chances for an ordinary worker to rise to the top in a party. Since one or, at the most, a few leaders exercise paramount power in the party, those who disagree with the leadership, find it difficult to continue in the party.
      • Those who happen to be the leaders are in a position to take undue advantage and favour people close to them or even their family members. And, in many parties, the top positions are invariably controlled by members of one family which is bad for democracy.
      Question 25.
      "Dynastic succession is one of the most serious challenges before the political parties." Analyse the statement. (2015 OD)

      Answer: Most political parties do not practise open and transparent procedures for their functioning. So there are very few ways for an ordinary worker to rise to the top in a party. Those who happen to be the leaders are in a position of unfair advantage as they favour people close to them or even their family members. In many parties in India, we see a trend of dynastic succession. The top positions are always controlled by members of a particular family, which is unfair to other members of the party, and bad for democracy. This is so because people who do not have adequate experience or popular support come to occupy positions of power. More than loyalty to party principles and policies, personal loyalty to the leader becomes more important. This tendency is seen all over the world, even in older democracies

      Question 26.
      What is meant by a national political party? State the conditions required to be a national political party?
      Year of Question :(2016 D)

      Answer: National political parties have their units in various states. By and large all these units follow the same policies, programmes and strategy that is decided at the national level. Conditions required to be a national political party

      • A party that secures at least 6% of the total votes in general elections of Lok Sabha or assembly elections in four states.
      • A party that wins at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha.
      Question 27.
      What is meant by regional political party? State the conditions required to be recognised as a regional political party?
      Year of Question :(2016 OD)

      Answer: A regional party is a party that is present in only some states. Regional parties or State parties need not be regional in their ideology. They have state identity as they are present only in some states. Some of these parties are all India parties that happen to have succeeded only in states. Example, Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janta Dal. Conditions required for a party to be recognized as a regional political party

      • A party that secures atleast six percent of the total votes in an election to the legislative assembly of a state.
      • Wins atleast two seats in the legislative assembly.
      Question 28.
      "Nearly every one of the state parties wants to get an opportunity to be a part of one or the other national level coalition." Support the statement with arguments. (2016 D)

      Answer: The state parties also referred to as regional parties are not necessarily regional in ideology. Some of these parties are all India parties that happen to have succeeded only in some states. Over the last three decades, the number and strength of these parties has expanded. Before the general elections one national party was able to secure on its own a majority in the Lok Sabha. As a result, the national parties were compelled to form alliances with state parties. Since 1996, nearly every one of the state parties got an opportunity to be a part of one or the other national level coalition government. This contributed to the strengthening of federalism and democracy. Example of state parties having national level political organisation with units in several states are Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janata Dal, Samata Party

      Question 29.
      Analyse the three components of a political party?
      Year of Question :(2016 OD)

      Answer: The three components of a political party are as follows

      • The leaders. A political party consists of leaders, who contest elections and if they win the elections, they perform the administrative jobs.
      • The active members. They are the ones who work actively for the party. They are the assistants of the leaders and implement the plans and ideologies of the political party.
      • The followers. They are the ardent followers of the parties and their leaders and support them in the elections.

      Long Answer Questions (LA)

      Question 30.
      Explain any five suggestions to reform political parties in India?
      Year of Question :(2011 D)

      Answer: Five suggestions made to reform the political parties

      • Law to regulate the internal affairs of political parties like maintaining a register of its members, to follow its own constitution, to have independent authority, to act as judge in case of party dispute, to hold open elections to the highest post.
      • It should be mandatory for political parties to give one-third tickets to women candidates. Also there should be quota for women on the decision-making bodies of the party.
      • There should be state funding of elections. The government should give money to parties to support their election expenses in kind (petrol, paper, telephone, etc.) or in cash on the basis of votes secured by the party in the previous election.
      • The candidate should be educated, so that he can solve and understand peoples problems. His previous record should be cleared. He should be honest and there should be no criminal case against him.
      • Citizens can reform politics if they take part directly and join political parties. People can put pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity in media, agitations etc.
      Question 31.
      Explain the growing role of money and muscle power in political parties?
      Year of Question :(2011 OD)

      Answer: Political parties need to face and overcome the growing challenge of Money and Muscle power during elections in order to remain effective instruments of democracy. Since parties are focussed only on winning elections, they tend to use shortcuts to win elections, for example, like booth-rigging, distribution of food, money, alcohol, etc. to the poor voters to get their votes. Political parties tend to nominate those candidates who have or can raise lots of money. Rich people and companies who give funds to the parties tend to have influence on the policies and decisions of the party. These days, parties are supporting criminals who can win elections. This is a major cause of concern to the democrats all over the world who are worried about the increasing role of rich people and big companies in democratic politics

      Question 32.
      Why do we need political parties? Explain?
      Year of Question :(2014 D)

      Answer: To fill political offices and exercise political power, political parties are needed to perform a series of functions, which are the following

      • Parties contest elections. Elections are fought mainly among candidates put up by political parties. In India, top party leaders choose candidates for contesting elections.
      • Parties put forward different policies and programmes. Political parties in a democracy group together similar opinions, to provide a direction in which government policies can be formulated,
      • Parties make laws for a country. Laws are debated and passed in the legislature.
      • Parties that lose elections play the role of the opposition. Opposition parties voice their views by criticizing government for its failure or wrong policies.
      • Parties shape public opinion. They raise and highlight issues and resolve peoples problems. Many pressure groups are the extensions of political parties.
      • Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes. For an ordinary citizen it is easy to approach a local party leader than a government officer.
      Question 33.
      Examine the role of opposition parties in a Democracy?
      Year of Question :(2014 OD)

      Answer: Opposition parties play an important role in democracies. They play both positive and negative role. Positive role

      • They ensures political party in power does not misuse or abuse its power;
      • They expose the weaknesses of the ruling party;
      • They also keep a close vigil on the bills and expenditure of the government.

        Negative role

      • They target the government and aim at dislodging and discrediting the government for all the ills and the troubles the people face;
      • Through stalling the proceedings of the parliament, dhamas and gheravs, it curtails the progress of the country. The oppositions work is not to abstract the functioning of the administration but keep a close watch on the working of the party in power so that democracy becomes meaningful.
      Question 34.
      "About hundred years ago there were few countries that had hardly any political party. Now there are few countries that do not have political parties." Examine this statement?
      Year of Question :(2014 OD)

      Answer: We can understand the necessity of political parties by imagining a situation without parties. Every candidate in the election will be independent. Therefore, no major policy changes will be made. Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency but no one will be responsible for the smooth running of the country. As societies become large and complex, they need an agency to gather views on various issues and to present them to the government. There is a need to bring various representatives together so that a responsible government can be formed. A mechanism is needed to support or restrain the government to make policies, justify or oppose them. Political parties fulfil the needs of a representative government and are thus a necessary condition for a democracy

      Question 35.
      "All over the world, people express their dissatisfaction with the failure of political parties to perform their functions well." Analyse the statement with arguments.?
      Year of Question :(2016 OD)

      Answer: Since parties are the most visible face in a democracy, people blame them for whatever is wrong with the working of democracy

        There are four major areas where the working of political parties faces challenge:
      • Lack of internal democracy. There is concentration of power in one or a few leaders at the top. Parties do not keep membership registers, do not hold organisational meetings and do not conduct internal elections regularly. More than loyalty to party principles and policies, it is personal loyalty which becomes more important. The leaders assume greater power to make decisions in the name of the party. Since one or few leaders exercise paramount power in the party, those who disagree with leadership find it difficult to continue in the party.
      • Dynastic succession. In many parties, top positions are always held by members of one family. Most political parties do not practice transparent and open procedures for their functioning and it is very difficult for an ordinary worker to rise to the top. This is bad for democracy, since people who do not have adequate experience or popular support come to occupy positions of power.
      • Money and muscle power. Since parties are focussed only on winning elections, they tend to use short-cuts to win elections. They nominate candidates who have or can raise money and thus are able to have influence on the policies and decisions of the party.
      • No meaningful choice. There has been a decline in the ideological differences among parties. They agree more on fundamental aspects, but differ only in details, on how policies are to be framed and implemented. Sometimes people cannot even elect different leaders as the same set of leaders keep shifting from one party to another.
      Question 36.
      "Political parties are a necessary condition for a democracy". Analyse the statement with examples?
      Year of Question :(2011)

      Answer: "Political parties are a necessary condition for a democracy" in the following ways

      • Without political parties democracies cannot exist. If we do not have political parties, every candidate in elections will be independent.
      • No one will be able to make any promises to the people about any major policy changes.
      • The government may be formed but its utility will remain uncertain.
      • Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency, for what they do in their locality but no one will be responsible for how the country will run.
      • As societies become large and complex they also needed some agencies to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government, thats why political parties are needed.
      Question 37.
      Describe any five efforts made to reform political parties in India.?
      Year of Question :(2017 D)

      Answer: Five efforts made to reform the political parties

      • Law to regulate the internal affairs of political parties like maintaining a register of its members, to follow its own constitution, to have independent authority, to act as judge in case of party dispute, to hold open elections to the highest post.
      • It should be mandatory for political parties to give one-third tickets to women candidates. Also there should be quota for women on the decision-making bodies of the party.
      • There should be state funding of elections. The government should give money to parties to support their election expenses in kind (petrol, paper, telephone, etc.) or in cash on the basis of votes secured by the party in the previous election.
      • The candidate should be educated, so that he can solve and understand peoples problems. His previous record should be cleared. He should be honest and there should be no criminal case against him.
      • Citizens can reform politics if they take part directly and join political parties. People can put pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity in media, agitations etc.

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