Political Parties Class 10 Questions & Answers
Complete NCERT-aligned revision with very short, short, long and important questions covering political parties, party systems, national and state parties, challenges and reforms.
Looking for Political Parties Class 10 Questions and Answers? This complete NCERT-based question bank covers the entire Class 10 Civics chapter Political Parties from Democratic Politics-II. It includes very short answer, short answer and long answer questions for revision, homework, tests and board examination preparation.
The questions cover the meaning and characteristics of political parties, their functions and necessity, party systems, national and state parties, popular participation, challenges faced by political parties and measures to reform political parties.
Political Parties Class 10: Very Short Answer Questions
45 quick-recall questions for definitions, facts and one- or two-line answers.
What is a political party?
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
What do members of a political party generally agree upon?
They generally agree on certain policies and programmes for society.
What is the main objective of a political party?
Its main objective is to gain political power and implement its policies and programmes.
What is partisanship?
Partisanship is a tendency to strongly support a particular party, group or faction rather than taking a balanced view.
Who is a partisan?
A partisan is a person who is strongly committed to a particular party, group or faction.
Name the three components of a political party.
The three components are leaders, active members and followers.
What is the main function of political parties?
Political parties fill political offices and exercise political power.
Do political parties contest elections?
Yes. Contesting elections is one of the main functions of political parties.
Who chooses candidates in India according to the chapter?
In India, top party leaders choose candidates for contesting elections.
What do political parties put before voters?
Political parties put forward different policies and programmes before voters.
What do voters choose among?
Voters choose among the policies and programmes offered by political parties.
What role do political parties play in making laws?
Political parties play a decisive role in making laws through their elected representatives.
What is a ruling party?
A ruling party is the political party that runs the government.
What is an opposition party?
An opposition party is a party that loses the election and performs the role of opposition to the party in power.
How do opposition parties contribute to democracy?
They present different views and criticise the government for its failures or wrong policies.
How do political parties shape public opinion?
They raise and highlight public issues and sometimes launch movements to resolve problems.
How do political parties help ordinary citizens?
They provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
Why can citizens easily approach local party leaders?
Citizens may find it easier to approach a local party leader than a government officer.
Why must political parties remain responsive to people?
Otherwise, people can reject those parties in the next elections.
Why are political parties necessary for democracy?
They perform essential functions such as contesting elections, forming governments, making laws and providing opposition.
What happens if there are no political parties?
Candidates would contest independently and no one would be clearly responsible for major policy decisions or how the country is governed.
What is a one-party system?
A one-party system is one in which only one party is allowed to control and run the government.
Why is a one-party system not considered a democratic option?
Because a democratic system must allow at least two parties to compete for political power.
What is a two-party system?
A two-party system is one in which two main parties have a serious chance of winning a majority and forming the government.
Name two countries with a two-party system mentioned in NCERT.
The United States of America and the United Kingdom.
What is a multiparty system?
A multiparty system is one in which several parties compete for power and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power.
Which type of party system does India have?
India has a multiparty system.
What is an alliance or front?
An alliance or front is formed when several parties join hands to contest elections and seek political power.
What is a coalition government?
A coalition government is a government formed by several political parties coming together.
Why has India developed a multiparty system?
India's social and geographical diversity cannot be easily represented by only two or three parties.
What is a national party?
A national party is a country-wide political party with units in several states following broadly common policies and programmes.
Which institution registers political parties in India?
The Election Commission registers political parties.
What is a recognised political party?
A recognised political party is a party that receives recognition and special facilities from the Election Commission after meeting prescribed criteria.
What special symbol is given to recognised parties?
A recognised party is given a unique election symbol that its official candidates can use.
What is a state party?
A state party is a political party with significant political influence in particular states.
What are state parties commonly called?
State parties are commonly referred to as regional parties.
Are all state parties regional in their ideology?
No. State parties need not be regional in their ideology or outlook.
What has the growth of state parties done to Parliament?
It has made the Parliament of India politically more diverse.
How have state parties contributed to Indian democracy?
Their participation in coalition governments has contributed to strengthening federalism and democracy.
Name the four major challenges faced by political parties.
They are lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, growing role of money and muscle power, and lack of meaningful choice for voters.
What is lack of internal democracy?
It is a situation in which decision-making power is concentrated in one or a few leaders and ordinary members have little influence.
What is dynastic succession?
Dynastic succession is the tendency of leadership positions to remain within one family.
What is defection?
Defection means changing party allegiance from the party on which a person was elected to a different party.
What is an affidavit?
An affidavit is a signed document submitted to an officer in which a person makes a sworn statement about personal information.
What is state funding of elections?
It is a proposed system in which the government provides financial or material support to political parties for election expenses.
Political Parties Class 10: Short Answer Questions
40 exam-oriented questions designed for concise explanation, comparison and 2–3 mark preparation.
Explain the meaning of a political party.
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold political power. Members generally agree on certain policies and programmes and seek public support to implement them through government.
What are the main characteristics of a political party?
A political party consists of leaders, active members and followers. It contests elections, has policies and programmes, seeks political power and tries to implement its ideas through government.
Why do political parties involve partisanship?
Political parties represent particular sections, interests or viewpoints in society. They try to persuade people that their policies are better than those of other parties. Therefore, political parties involve taking a particular side.
Explain the role of political parties in contesting elections.
Political parties select candidates and support them in elections. In most democracies, elections are mainly contested among candidates put forward by political parties.
How do political parties provide policy choices to voters?
Political parties group many different opinions into a few broad policy positions. They present these policies and programmes to voters, who can choose the party they prefer.
Explain the role of political parties in making laws.
Most elected representatives belong to political parties. During legislative proceedings, they generally follow the direction of their party leadership. Thus parties play a decisive role in making laws.
How do political parties form and run governments?
Political parties recruit and train leaders. When they gain sufficient electoral support, their leaders form the political executive and take major policy decisions and run the government.
Explain the role of opposition parties.
Parties that lose elections perform the role of opposition. They present different views, criticise government failures and wrong policies, and mobilise opposition to the government.
How do political parties shape public opinion?
Parties raise and highlight important public issues. Their members and activists are spread across the country, and they may launch movements to resolve problems faced by people.
How do political parties provide access to government machinery?
Local party leaders can help ordinary citizens approach government machinery and welfare schemes. Citizens may find party leaders easier to approach than government officers.
Why are political parties necessary in modern democracies?
Modern societies are large and complex. Political parties gather different views, provide policy choices, bring representatives together, form governments, support or oppose governments and help make policies.
What would happen in a democracy without political parties?
Every candidate would be independent. Candidates could not easily make promises about major policy changes, and although a government might be formed, it would be difficult to determine who was responsible for running the country.
Why are political parties found in almost every country?
Large representative democracies need institutions that gather different views and organise representatives. Political parties perform these functions, which is why they are found in almost all countries.
What is the connection between political parties and representative democracy?
The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies. Parties organise political competition and help representatives work together to form responsible governments.
Why is a one-party system not suitable for democracy?
A one-party system does not provide genuine political competition. Democracy requires at least two parties to compete in elections and have a fair chance of coming to power.
Explain the two-party system.
In a two-party system, several parties may exist, but only two major parties have a serious chance of winning a majority and forming the government. The USA and UK are examples mentioned in the chapter.
Explain the multiparty system.
In a multiparty system, several parties compete for power and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either independently or through alliances.
State two advantages of the multiparty system.
It allows a variety of interests and opinions to receive political representation. It can also accommodate the social and regional diversity of a large country like India.
State one disadvantage of the multiparty system.
A multiparty system may appear politically messy and can sometimes lead to political instability.
What factors influence the party system of a country?
The party system depends on the nature of society, social and regional divisions, political history and the electoral system of the country.
Why cannot a country simply choose any party system?
A party system evolves over a long period and is shaped by social conditions, regional divisions, political history and electoral arrangements. These factors cannot be changed quickly.
Why is the multiparty system suitable for India?
India has enormous social and geographical diversity. A multiparty system allows different interests and regions to receive political representation.
What is the difference between national and state parties?
National parties have a country-wide presence with units in several states, while state parties have significant political influence mainly in particular states.
What is the role of the Election Commission in relation to political parties?
Every political party has to register with the Election Commission. The Commission also recognises parties according to prescribed criteria and provides recognised parties with certain special facilities.
What are the recognition criteria mentioned in the NCERT chapter?
According to the textbook, a party securing at least six per cent of total votes in a State Legislative Assembly election and at least two seats is recognised as a State party. For national recognition, the textbook states six per cent of votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four states and at least four Lok Sabha seats.
What is meant by popular participation in political parties?
It refers to people's involvement in political-party activities, including party membership and feeling close to a political party.
What does the chapter say about people's trust in political parties?
Political parties do not enjoy much trust among people in South Asia and are among the least trusted institutions in many democracies.
Does low trust mean that people do not participate in political parties?
No. The chapter notes that participation in party activities has been fairly high in India, and the proportion of people reporting party membership has increased over time.
What are the four major challenges to political parties?
The four challenges are: lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, growing role of money and muscle power, and lack of meaningful choice for voters.
Why is lack of internal democracy a challenge?
Power may become concentrated in one or a few leaders. Parties may fail to hold regular organisational meetings and internal elections, leaving ordinary members with little influence.
Why is dynastic succession harmful to democracy?
It can favour family members over other capable party workers. People without sufficient experience or popular support may reach positions of power simply because of family connections.
How does money power affect political parties?
Parties may prefer candidates who have or can raise large amounts of money. Wealthy individuals and companies that fund parties may then influence party policies and decisions.
How does muscle power affect political parties?
Parties may sometimes support candidates with criminal backgrounds if they believe such candidates can help them win elections. This increases the influence of criminal elements in politics.
What is meant by lack of meaningful choice for voters?
It means that major political parties may become so similar in their policies and leadership that voters do not have sufficiently different alternatives.
What is the Anti-Defection Law?
It is a constitutional measure intended to prevent elected MPs and MLAs from changing parties. Under the law described in the chapter, an MLA or MP changing parties can lose the legislative seat.
How have affidavits helped political transparency?
Candidates are required to disclose details of their property and pending criminal cases. This has made important information about candidates available to the public.
What steps has the Election Commission taken to reform political parties?
The Election Commission has required political parties to hold organisational elections and file their income-tax returns.
Why should political parties maintain membership registers?
Membership registers can make party organisation more transparent and help establish a clear relationship between ordinary members and the party organisation.
Why is women's representation suggested as a party reform?
The chapter suggests that political parties should provide about one-third of their tickets to women candidates and reserve a quota for women in party decision-making bodies.
What is state funding of elections?
It is a proposed reform under which the government would provide parties with financial or material assistance for election expenses, such as petrol, paper or telephone facilities.
Political Parties Class 10: Long Answer Questions
25 detailed questions for structured 4–5 mark answer writing and board-examination preparation.
Explain the various functions of political parties in a democracy.
Political parties perform several important functions in a democracy:
- Contest elections: Parties select candidates and contest elections.
- Present policies and programmes: They offer different policy choices to voters.
- Make laws: Elected party representatives play a decisive role in legislation.
- Form and run governments: Parties recruit leaders and form the political executive.
- Perform the role of opposition: Opposition parties criticise the government and present alternative views.
- Shape public opinion: Parties raise issues, organise campaigns and sometimes launch movements.
- Provide access to government: They help citizens approach government machinery and welfare schemes.
Why are political parties considered a necessary condition for democracy?
Modern societies are large and complex and require institutions that can collect different opinions and present them to the government. Political parties bring representatives together, provide policy choices, contest elections, form governments, make laws and provide opposition.
Without political parties, candidates would generally contest independently. There would be no clear organisation to present major policy programmes or take collective responsibility for governing the country. Therefore, political parties are a necessary condition for democracy.
Explain the three components of a political party.
A political party has three main components:
- Leaders: They provide leadership and make important political and organisational decisions.
- Active members: They participate directly in party activities and campaigns.
- Followers: They support the party, its candidates, policies and programmes.
Explain the different types of party systems.
There are three broad types of party systems:
- One-party system: Only one party is allowed to control and run the government. It is not considered a democratic option because there is no genuine competition for political power.
- Two-party system: Two major parties have a serious chance of winning a majority and forming the government. The USA and UK are examples mentioned in the chapter.
- Multiparty system: Several parties compete for power and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power independently or through alliances. India follows this system.
Why has India adopted a multiparty system?
India is a large country with enormous social and geographical diversity. Different regions, communities and groups have different interests and political preferences.
A two- or three-party system cannot easily absorb all these differences. A multiparty system provides opportunities for a wider range of interests and opinions to receive political representation.
Explain why no party system is ideal for all countries.
A country's party system develops over a long period. It is influenced by the nature of society, social and regional divisions, political history and the electoral system.
Since these conditions differ from country to country, different countries develop different party systems. Therefore, no single party system can be considered ideal for every country and every situation.
Explain the importance of national and state parties in Indian democracy.
National parties have units in several states and generally follow policies and strategies decided at the national level. State parties have significant influence in particular states.
The growth of state parties has made Parliament more politically diverse. State parties have also participated in national coalition governments. According to the chapter, this has contributed to strengthening federalism and democracy in India.
Explain the four major challenges faced by political parties.
Political parties face four major challenges:
- Lack of internal democracy: Power is often concentrated in a few leaders, while ordinary members have limited influence.
- Dynastic succession: Leadership positions may remain concentrated within particular families.
- Money and muscle power: Wealthy individuals, companies and criminal elements may gain influence in party politics and elections.
- Lack of meaningful choice: Major parties may offer increasingly similar policies, leaving voters with limited alternatives.
Explain the challenge of lack of internal democracy in political parties.
Many political parties concentrate power in one or a few leaders. They may not maintain proper membership registers, hold organisational meetings regularly or conduct internal elections.
Ordinary members may not receive sufficient information or have the means to influence decisions. As a result, leaders acquire greater power and loyalty to individual leaders may become more important than loyalty to party principles and policies.
Explain dynastic succession as a challenge to political parties.
When parties lack open and transparent procedures, ordinary workers have few opportunities to rise to senior positions. Party leaders may favour people close to them or their family members.
This is unfair to other party members and can be harmful to democracy because people without adequate experience or popular support may occupy positions of political power.
Explain the role of money and muscle power in politics.
Political parties are strongly focused on winning elections. As a result, they may select candidates who possess or can raise large amounts of money. Wealthy individuals and companies that fund parties may gain influence over party policies and decisions.
In some cases, parties may also support candidates with criminal backgrounds because they believe such candidates can help them win elections. This can weaken democratic politics.
Explain the challenge of lack of meaningful choice for voters.
Political parties should provide significantly different policies so that voters have genuine alternatives. However, ideological differences between major parties have declined in many parts of the world.
The chapter also notes that differences between major parties on economic policies in India have reduced. When major parties become similar, voters who want substantially different policies may have no clear alternative.
Explain the major reforms introduced to improve political parties.
Several measures have been introduced to reform political parties and their leaders.
- The Constitution was amended to discourage elected MPs and MLAs from changing parties.
- Candidates are required to file affidavits disclosing property and pending criminal cases.
- The Election Commission has required political parties to hold organisational elections and file income-tax returns.
These measures aim to increase accountability, transparency and responsible political behaviour.
Suggest reforms to strengthen political parties.
Several reforms have been suggested:
- Regulate the internal affairs of political parties.
- Require parties to maintain membership registers.
- Require parties to follow their own constitutions.
- Provide an independent authority to settle internal party disputes.
- Hold open elections to important party posts.
- Provide a minimum number of election tickets to women candidates.
- Provide greater representation for women in party decision-making bodies.
- Consider state funding of elections.
Why should legal reforms of political parties be introduced carefully?
Legal reforms can improve political parties, but excessive regulation can be counter-productive. If parties consider laws unreasonable, they may try to find ways to avoid them.
Moreover, political parties themselves may not agree to laws that they do not support. Therefore, legal solutions to political problems must be designed carefully.
How can ordinary citizens help reform political parties?
Citizens can put pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity and agitations. Pressure groups, social movements and the media can also play an important role.
Citizens can also join political parties and participate actively in political processes. The chapter emphasises that the quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation.
Explain the relationship between political parties and public opinion.
Political parties raise and highlight issues affecting people. Their members and activists are spread throughout the country, allowing them to communicate political ideas to large sections of society.
Parties may also launch movements to resolve public problems. As a result, public opinion can develop around the issues and positions raised by political parties.
Explain the importance of opposition parties in a democracy.
Opposition parties keep the government under political scrutiny. They raise alternative viewpoints, criticise government failures and wrong policies, and mobilise opposition when necessary.
In this way, opposition parties help prevent the ruling party from exercising power without criticism or accountability.
Explain how political parties connect citizens with the government.
Political parties have members and leaders working at local, state and national levels. Ordinary citizens can often approach local party leaders to communicate their needs and problems.
Parties can also help people access government machinery and welfare schemes. This makes parties an important link between citizens and government.
“Political parties are the most visible institutions of democracy.” Explain.
Political parties are visible to ordinary citizens because they contest elections, campaign, present candidates and policies, form governments and lead opposition.
People may not know much about constitutional institutions, but they are often familiar with political parties. Their activities are therefore closely associated with everyday democratic politics.
“The problem of bad politics can be solved by more and better politics.” Explain.
Political reform cannot depend only on criticism from outside. Citizens who want political parties to improve should participate actively in democratic politics.
Citizens can join political parties, put pressure on them through democratic means and demand transparency and reform. Greater and better public participation can therefore contribute to improving political life.
Why is popular participation in political parties important for democracy?
Democracy depends on citizen participation. When ordinary citizens join political parties and participate in political activities, they can influence party functioning and demand reforms.
The chapter's evidence shows that although political parties are not highly trusted, political participation in India has remained significant and party membership has increased over time.
Explain the significance of recognised political parties.
All political parties must register with the Election Commission. Recognised parties that meet prescribed vote and seat criteria receive special facilities, including a unique election symbol that can be used by their official candidates.
Recognition therefore provides an official status to parties that meet the Election Commission's prescribed requirements.
Explain the role of state parties in strengthening federalism.
State parties represent political interests that may be particularly important in specific states or regions. Their increasing strength has made Parliament more diverse.
National parties have often needed the support of state parties in coalition governments. According to the chapter, this participation has contributed to strengthening federalism and democracy in India.
“No party system is ideal for all countries and all situations.” Explain.
Party systems develop according to each country's social structure, regional divisions, political history and electoral system.
A system suitable for one country may not work equally well in another. India's multiparty system has developed partly because of its enormous social and geographical diversity. Therefore, there is no universally ideal party system.
Political Parties Class 10: Important NCERT-Based Questions
15 additional questions for high-priority revision of the chapter.
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
Political parties contest elections, offer policies and programmes, make laws, form and run governments, perform the role of opposition, shape public opinion and provide citizens access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
The four major challenges are lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, growing role of money and muscle power, and lack of meaningful choice for voters.
Suggest some reforms to strengthen political parties.
Suggested reforms include greater internal democracy, membership registers, transparent internal elections, independent authorities for party disputes, greater representation of women and state funding of elections.
What is a political party?
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government while generally agreeing on certain policies and programmes.
What are the characteristics of a political party?
A political party has leaders, active members and followers; contests elections; has policies and programmes; seeks political power; and tries to implement its policies through government.
Who founded the Bahujan Samaj Party?
The Bahujan Samaj Party was formed in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram.
What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party according to the chapter?
The chapter states that the BJP draws inspiration from India's ancient culture and values and from Deendayal Upadhyaya's ideas of Integral Humanism and Antyodaya.
What does the chapter say about the Aam Aadmi Party?
The chapter states that the AAP was formed on 26 November 2012 following the 2011 anti-corruption movement and was founded around accountability, clean administration, transparency and good governance.
What does the BSP seek to represent?
According to the chapter, the BSP seeks to represent and secure political power for the Bahujan Samaj, including Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities.
When was the Indian National Congress founded?
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885.
When was the Communist Party of India (Marxist) founded?
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), was founded in 1964.
When was the National People's Party formed?
The National People's Party was formed in July 2013 under the leadership of P. A. Sangma.
How many recognised national parties does the 2026–27 NCERT chapter mention?
The chapter states that there were six recognised national parties according to the Election Commission of India's notification issued in 2023.
Name the six recognised national parties mentioned in the chapter.
The chapter discusses: Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress and National People's Party.
How did the growth of state parties affect Indian politics?
It made Parliament more politically diverse and encouraged national parties to form alliances with state parties. According to the chapter, this contributed to strengthening federalism and democracy.
Political Parties Class 10: Quick Revision Notes
Political Party
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government.
Three Components
Leaders + Active Members + Followers
Major Functions
- Contest elections
- Present policies and programmes
- Make laws
- Form and run governments
- Perform the role of opposition
- Shape public opinion
- Provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes
Party Systems
- One-party system
- Two-party system
- Multiparty system — India
Major Challenges
- Lack of internal democracy
- Dynastic succession
- Money and muscle power
- Lack of meaningful choice
Major Reform Measures
- Anti-Defection Law
- Candidate affidavits
- Organisational elections
- Income-tax returns by parties
- Internal party democracy
- Greater representation of women
- Possible state funding of elections
Political Parties Class 10 Important Keywords
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Political Party | A group that contests elections and seeks political power. |
| Partisan | A person strongly committed to a party, group or faction. |
| Ruling Party | The political party that runs the government. |
| Opposition | Parties that oppose and scrutinise the government. |
| Alliance | Several parties joining hands for political purposes. |
| Defection | Changing party allegiance after being elected on another party's support. |
| Affidavit | A signed sworn statement containing personal information. |
| Dynastic Succession | Leadership remaining concentrated within a family. |
| State Party | A party with significant political influence in particular states. |
| National Party | A country-wide party with units in several states. |
Political Parties Class 10 Exam Preparation
For examination preparation, students should focus especially on the functions of political parties, necessity of political parties, types of party systems, national and state parties, popular participation, four major challenges and political reforms.
Practise writing answers in clear points, use appropriate political science terminology, and support long answers with relevant explanations. These questions are designed for Class 10 Civics revision, NCERT question-answer practice, school tests and board examination preparation.
Study Path
Learn → Practise → Revise → Test Yourself
First understand the chapter, then practise the very short and short answers. Finally, write the long-answer questions without looking at the answers.
Also practise the MCQs from this chapter after completing these question-and-answer exercises to strengthen your objective-question preparation.