Short Questions
1. What is the main goal of political parties?
Answer : To win elections and gain political power.
2. How do political parties differ from other social organizations?
Answer : They aim to achieve political power through elections.
3. What is a political party’s ideology?
Answer : Its beliefs and views on social and political issues.
4. What is the mass base of a political party?
Answer : The public support it gets for its ideology.
5. What is a party agenda?
Answer : A plan based on a party’s ideology to implement if it gains power.
6. What role do opposition parties play?
Answer : They question and challenge the ruling government.
7. What was the dominant party in India after independence?
Answer : Indian National Congress.
8. What ended the single dominant party system in India?
Answer : The rise of coalition governments after 1989.
9. What is a one-party system?
Answer : When only one party holds power with little opposition.
10. What is a multi-party system?
Answer : When many parties compete for power, like in India.
11. When was the Indian National Congress established?
Answer : In 1885.
12. What is the ideology of the Communist Party of India?
Answer : Communism, focusing on workers’ welfare.
13. When was the Bharatiya Janata Party formed?
Answer : In 1980.
14. What does the Bahujan Samaj Party aim to do?
Answer : Empower Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and backward classes.
15. When was the Nationalist Congress Party formed?
Answer : In 1999.
16. What is regionalism?
Answer : Pride in one’s region, language, and culture.
17. What do regional parties demand for their region?
Answer : More autonomy and local control.
18. When was Shiv Sena founded?
Answer : In 1966.
19. What is the main objective of the National Conference?
Answer : Protect Kashmiri interests and autonomy.
20. When was the Assam Agreement signed?
Answer : In 1985.
Long Questions
1. What is the role of political parties in connecting people and the government?
Answer : Political parties communicate people’s demands and complaints to the government. They also explain government policies to the public, building a strong link.
2. How did India’s political party system change after 1989?
Answer : The single dominant party system ended, and coalition governments became common. Parties like Congress and BJP formed stable coalitions, proving their effectiveness.
3. What are the characteristics of a political party’s ideology and agenda?
Answer : A party’s ideology is its beliefs about social issues, which forms its mass base. The agenda is a plan based on this ideology to implement if the party wins power.
4. Why is the Indian National Congress significant in India’s political history?
Answer : Founded in 1885, it led the independence movement and dominated post-independence politics. It promotes secularism, social equality, and welfare for all sections.
5. How do regional parties influence national politics in India?
Answer : Regional parties join coalition governments like NDA and UPA, impacting national decisions. They demand autonomy but cooperate with the central government.
6. What is the importance of the multi-party system in India?
Answer : The multi-party system allows many parties to compete, reflecting diverse views. It ensures representation of various regions and communities in governance.
7. How has the role of regional parties changed over time in India?
Answer : Initially, regional parties demanded separation, but now they seek autonomy. Many, especially in the North East, are joining mainstream national politics.
8. What are the objectives of the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra?
Answer : Shiv Sena, founded in 1966, aims to protect Marathi identity and promote the Marathi language. It resists non-Marathi influence and has been part of coalition governments.
9. How does the Election Commission recognize national parties?
Answer : A party must secure 6% votes in four or more states and have 4 MPs, or win 2% of Lok Sabha seats from three states. This ensures only influential parties are recognized.
10. What is the significance of coalition governments in India?
Answer : Coalition governments, formed by multiple parties, have stabilized since 1989. They allow diverse regional and national parties to work together for governance.
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