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Question
Why do we need political parties? Explain.
Solution
In a democracy, political parties play certain important roles. They:
provide a platform for representation to various sections of the society
provide a platform for public debates and articulation of different opinions
contest elections and form government
give shape to policies and legislation on the basis of their election manifestos
are the vehicles of democracy
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RELATED QUESTIONS
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State the conditions as laid down by the Election Commission to recognise a 'State Party' and a 'National Party'.
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a ______________________.
Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
|
List I |
List II |
||
|
1. |
Congress Party |
Α. |
National Democratic Alliance |
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2. |
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3. |
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C. |
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|
4. |
Telugu Desam party |
D. |
Left Front |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
(a) |
C |
A |
B |
D |
|
(b) |
C |
D |
A |
B |
|
(c) |
C |
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(d) |
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Consider the following statements on parties.
Α. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
Β. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
C. Parties are not necessary to run governments.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
Muhammad Yunus is a famous economist of Bangladesh. He received several international honours for his efforts to promote economic and social development for the benefit of the poor. He and the Grameen Bank he started, jointly received the Noble Peace Prize for 2006. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party and contest in the parliamentary elections. His objective was to foster proper leadership, good governance and build a new Bangladesh. He felt that only a political party different from the traditional ones would bring about new political culture. His party would be democratic from the grassroots level.
The launching of the new party, called Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power), has caused a stir among the Bangladeshis. While many welcomed his decisions, some did not like it. "Now I think Bangladesh will have a chance to choose between good and bad and eventually have a good government," said Shahedul Islam, a government official. "That government, we hope, would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority."
But leaders of traditional political parties who dominated the country’s politics for decades were apprehensive. "There was no debate (over him) winning the Novel, but politics is different − very challenging and often controversial," said a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Some others were highly critical. They asked why he was rushing into politics. "Is he being planted in politics by mentors from outside the country," asked one political observer.
Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party?
Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people? How do you want this new party organised to make it different from other parties? If you were the one to begin this political party how would you defend it?
Answer the following question.
Describe any five major functions of political parties performed in a democracy.
Analyze the role of opposition political parties in a democracy.
