Political Parties: Meaning, Functions, Systems and Challenges: 30 flashcards
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1. What is a political party?
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A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government, agreeing on policies and programmes for the collective good.
2. What does 'partisanship' mean in the context of political parties?
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It means a party stands for a part of society, specific policies, and particular interests — taking a side rather than representing everyone equally.
3. What are the three components of a political party?
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Leaders, active members, and followers.
4. List the seven functions of political parties.
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1) Contest elections, 2) Put forward policies and programmes, 3) Make laws, 4) Form and run governments, 5) Play opposition, 6) Shape public opinion, 7) Provide access to government machinery.
5. How do parties reduce a vast multitude of opinions?
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They bring together many views into a few basic positions that a government can act on.
6. Why can't independent candidates replace parties for national policy?
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Independents cannot coordinate to make credible national policy promises, and no one would be collectively responsible for how the country is run.
7. What evidence shows the party function is unavoidable even without parties?
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In non-party panchayat elections, village factions form 'panels' of candidates — a disguised version of parties.
8. What is a one-party system, and is it democratic?
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Only one party is allowed to rule (e.g., China). It is not a democratic option because there is no fair competition for power.
9. Define a two-party system with examples.
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Two main parties have a serious chance of winning a majority; other parties exist but rarely form government. Examples: USA, UK.
10. Define a multiparty system with an example.
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Several parties compete and governments are often formed by coalitions or alliances/fronts. Example: India.
11. What factors shape a country's party system?
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A society's social divisions, regional diversity, political history, and electoral system — party systems evolve, they are not freely chosen.
12. Why does India have a multiparty system?
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India's social and geographical diversity is too great to be absorbed by two or three parties.
13. What is the paradox of popular participation in parties?
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Parties are among the least trusted institutions, yet party membership and closeness to parties have risen steadily in India.
14. What are the Election Commission's criteria for a State party?
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At least 6% of votes in a State Assembly election and at least 2 seats.
15. What are the Election Commission's criteria for a national party?
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At least 6% of votes in Lok Sabha or four State Assembly elections and at least 4 Lok Sabha seats.
16. Name India's six recognised national parties (2023 ECI notification).
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AAP, BSP, BJP, CPI-M, INC, and NPP.
17. When and why was the AAP formed?
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Formed on 26 November 2012 from the anti-corruption movement; emphasises accountability, transparency, and good governance; governs Punjab and Delhi.
18. What does the BSP stand for and who founded it?
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Founded in 1984 under Kanshi Ram to represent the bahujan samaj (Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, religious minorities); inspired by Phule, Periyar, and Ambedkar.
19. What is the BJP's core idea of Indian nationhood?
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Cultural nationalism (Hindutva); founded 1980, reviving the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951).
20. What does the CPI-M believe in and where has it governed longest?
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Founded 1964; believes in Marxism-Leninism; governed West Bengal for 34 uninterrupted years.
21. What is the INC's ideological position and its 2019 performance?
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Centrist; founded 1885; won 19.5% votes and 52 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
22. What makes the NPP significant?
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Formed in July 2013 under P.A. Sangma; it is the first national party from North East India.
23. Why is calling all State parties 'regional' misleading?
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Some State parties like the Samajwadi Party and RJD have national-level organisation with units in several states, not just regional outlook.
24. How have State parties strengthened federalism?
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Their expansion made Parliament more diverse and forced national parties into coalitions; since 1996 nearly every State party has had a turn in a national coalition.
25. What are the four challenges faced by political parties?
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1) Lack of internal democracy, 2) Dynastic succession, 3) Money and muscle power, 4) Lack of meaningful choice.
26. How does lack of internal democracy show in parties?
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Concentration of power at the top, neglected membership registers, irregular internal elections, and personal loyalty outweighing loyalty to principles.
27. What is dynastic succession and why is it a problem?
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Top positions pass within one family, giving unfair advantage to family members who may lack experience or popular support.
28. How do money and muscle power affect parties?
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Parties nominate wealthy candidates, donors influence policy, and some parties back criminals who can win elections.
29. What is the correct response to the challenges facing parties?
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Reform, not abolition — parties perform functions with no substitute.
30. Why is dissatisfaction with democracy expressed as dissatisfaction with parties?
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Parties are the most visible face of democracy, so frustration with the system gets directed at them.
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