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Very Short Question and Answers - Challenges to Political Parties

Q 1.
What are the four major challenges faced by political parties as per CBSE Class 10?

Ans:

Lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, role of money and muscle power, and lack of meaningful choice.

Q 2.
What is meant by ‘lack of internal democracy’ within political parties?

Ans:

It means party decisions are controlled by a few top leaders, with rare internal elections and limited say for ordinary members.

Q 3.
Name two features that show lack of internal democracy in parties.

Ans:

Irregular or symbolic internal elections and key decisions taken by a small ‘high command’ with dissent being suppressed.

Q 4.
Give two Indian examples that illustrate lack of internal democracy.

Ans:

The concentration of leadership in the Congress and leadership dominance by families in parties like DMK and Samajwadi Party.

Q 5.
Give one international example of a party often cited for limited internal democracy.

Ans:

The Chinese Communist Party is frequently cited for centralized control without competitive internal elections.

Q 6.
State one consequence of lack of internal democracy in parties.

Ans:

New leaders and ideas struggle to emerge, reducing responsiveness and accountability within the party.

Q 7.
What is dynastic succession in political parties?

Ans:

It is the practice of reserving leadership positions for family members of existing leaders rather than selecting on merit.

Q 8.
Give two Indian examples of dynastic succession.

Ans:

Leadership lines in Congress (Nehru–Gandhi family) and Samajwadi Party (Mulayam Singh Yadav to Akhilesh Yadav).

Q 9.
Cite two examples of dynastic politics from outside India.

Ans:

The Bhutto family in Pakistan Peoples Party and the Rajapaksa family in Sri Lanka.

Q 10.
Why is dynastic succession harmful for party democracy?

Ans:

It blocks talented grassroots workers, promotes entitlement, and weakens merit-based leadership.

Q 11.
What is meant by the ‘role of money’ in party politics and elections?

Ans:

Large funds are used for campaigning, advertisements, rallies, and sometimes for inducements, risking corruption and undue donor influence.

Q 12.
What is ‘muscle power’ in elections?

Ans:

The use of intimidation or criminal elements to influence voters or opponents, including practices like booth capturing.

Q 13.
Give two Indian examples showing the impact of money and muscle power.

Ans:

High campaign spending and the presence of candidates with criminal cases; ADR reported over 40% of 2019 Lok Sabha MPs had criminal cases.

Q 14.
Give one global example each for money and muscle influence in elections.

Ans:

Money: Large donations via super PACs in the USA; Muscle: Electoral violence reported in parts of Nigeria.

Q 15.
State one outcome of increased money and muscle power in politics.

Ans:

Honest candidates without resources are sidelined, and public interest may be compromised in favor of donors or strongmen.

Q 16.
What is meant by ‘lack of meaningful choice’ for voters?

Ans:

When parties offer similar promises, form broad alliances, or leaders switch parties, reducing clear ideological alternatives.

Q 17.
Give two examples that show lack of meaningful choice.

Ans:

Frequent party hopping by leaders in India and perceived policy convergence between major parties in countries like the UK at times.

Q 18.
How does lack of meaningful choice affect democracy?

Ans:

It can cause voter apathy, lower turnout, and public dissatisfaction with the political process.

Q 19.
Mention two measures taken in India to address these challenges.

Ans:

Election expenditure limits and Supreme Court directives requiring candidates to disclose assets and criminal records.

Q 20.
Suggest two ways citizens and civil society can help improve party functioning.

Ans:

Demand internal elections and transparency in party finances, and support candidates with clean records through informed voting.

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