Question

Read the following source and answer the questions that follow:

The Need for Political Parties As we have seen, large societies need representative democracy. As societies became large and complex, they also needed some agency to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government. They needed some ways, to bring various representatives together so that a responsible government could be formed. They needed a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them. Political parties fulfil these needs that every representative government has. We can say that parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.

1. Explain the meaning of 'representative democracy'.
2. How do political parties shape public opinion?
3. Why are political parties considered a necessary condition for a democracy? Explain.

Answer 1

1. 1. Representative democracy is a system where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. 
   2. It ensures participation in governance and protects individual rights.
2. Political parties influence public opinion by:
   1. Raising awareness about social and economic issues. 
   2. Conducting debates and spreading ideology through speeches and campaigns. 
   3. Using media and protests to highlight problems and demand solutions.
3. Political parties are essential because:
   1. They bring together people with common ideologies to form governments.
   2. They act as a bridge between the government and the people.
   3. They help in policy-making, governance, and opposition to maintain democracy.