Question

Assertion (A): Modern democracy cannot function without political parties.

Reason (R): Elected representatives will be accountable only to their constituencies, not towards the country.

Options

• (A) is true, but (R) is false.

• (A) is false, but (R) is true.

• Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

• Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Answer 1

Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation:

• Assertion (A) is true because modern democracies rely heavily on political parties to organize electoral competition, formulate public policy, and bridge the gap between citizens and government institutions. Political parties aggregate interests, nominate candidates for public office and help structure voting choices.

• Reason (R) is true in the sense that elected representatives have a primary responsibility towards their constituencies, as they are directly elected by them. However, it simplifies the role of representatives, who, while accountable to their constituents, must also consider national interests and work towards the country's overall good.