Political Parties: Meaning, Functions, Systems and Challenges: 19 MCQs with answers

A group that contests elections and holds power on agreed policies

A political party is defined as a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government, agreeing on policies and programmes for the collective good.

Election Commissioners

The three components of a party are leaders, active members, and followers. Election Commissioners are part of the Election Commission, not a party.

One-party system; not democratic

A one-party system (e.g., China) allows only one party to control government. It is not a democratic option because there is no fair competition for power.

USA and UK

The USA and UK are the standard examples of two-party systems, where two main parties have a serious chance of winning a majority.

NPP

India's six recognised national parties (2023) are AAP, BSP, BJP, CPI-M, INC, and NPP. The others are State parties.

CPI-M

The CPI-M, founded in 1964, believes in Marxism-Leninism and governed West Bengal for 34 uninterrupted years.

Shaping public opinion

Shaping public opinion is one of the seven functions of parties. Conducting elections, registering voters, and drawing boundaries are functions of the Election Commission.

True

A party needs at least 6% of votes in Lok Sabha or four State Assembly elections and at least 4 Lok Sabha seats to be recognised as a national party; at least 6% of votes and 2 seats in a State Assembly election makes it a State party.

The party function is unavoidable even without formal parties

Even in non-party panchayat elections, factions form 'panels' of candidates — evidence that the party function (grouping candidates around shared positions) reappears in disguise.

Its social and geographical diversity cannot be absorbed by two or three parties

India's multiparty system reflects its social and geographical diversity, which two or three parties cannot absorb.

State party

The criteria for a State party are at least 6% of votes in a State Assembly election and at least 2 seats.

NPP

The NPP, formed in July 2013 under P.A. Sangma, is the first national party from North East India.

Dynastic succession

Dynastic succession is the challenge where top positions pass within one family, giving unfair advantage to family members who may lack experience or popular support.

Party membership and closeness to parties have risen steadily

The paradox of popular participation: despite low trust, the share of Indians who are members of a political party and who feel close to one has risen steadily over three decades.

Party systems evolve from social divisions, history, and electoral rules

Party systems are not chosen; they evolve over long periods, shaped by a society's social and regional divisions, political history, and electoral system.

Calling all State parties 'regional' can be misleading

State parties are commonly called regional parties, but some like the Samajwadi Party and RJD have national-level organisation with units in several states — the label can mislead.

A party wins 6% of votes in Lok Sabha elections and at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha elections across four states.

The correct option is right because a national party must secure at least 6% of votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four states, along with at least 4 Lok Sabha seats.

It can lead to a concentration of power that undermines meritocracy and public support.

The correct option is right because dynastic succession often leads to a concentration of power within a single family, which undermines meritocracy and can alienate party members and the public.

Multiparty systems provide a broader spectrum of political choices, reflecting diverse interests and opinions.

The correct option is right because multiparty systems enable a wider variety of interests and opinions to gain representation, which is essential for a truly democratic process.