Q.1 Which of the following best defines a political party?
A group of individuals who govern without elections
An organization seeking to influence government policy by winning elections
A government institution that enforces laws
A social movement with no interest in governance
Explanation - A political party is an organized group of people that seeks to influence government by winning elections and controlling public policy.
Correct answer is: An organization seeking to influence government policy by winning elections
Q.2 What is a one-party system?
A system where multiple parties compete for power
A system where one party dominates elections but others exist
A system where only one political party is legally allowed
A system where no political parties exist
Explanation - In a one-party system, only a single political party is legally permitted to hold power, often found in authoritarian regimes.
Correct answer is: A system where only one political party is legally allowed
Q.3 Which type of party system is characterized by two major parties dominating politics?
Multiparty system
One-party system
Two-party system
No-party system
Explanation - A two-party system has two major political parties that dominate the political landscape, often alternating in power.
Correct answer is: Two-party system
Q.4 What is a multiparty system?
A system with only one legal party
A system with two dominant parties
A system where several parties compete for power
A system with no political parties
Explanation - A multiparty system allows multiple political parties to compete in elections, which may require coalition governments.
Correct answer is: A system where several parties compete for power
Q.5 Which of the following is an example of a catch-all party?
Communist Party of China
Democratic Party in the USA
Bharatiya Janata Party in India
National Front in France
Explanation - A catch-all party seeks to attract people from diverse social groups and interests rather than representing a specific class or ideology.
Correct answer is: Democratic Party in the USA
Q.6 The primary purpose of an opposition party is to:
Support the government unconditionally
Provide an alternative to the ruling party and hold it accountable
Oversee elections only
Run the judiciary
Explanation - Opposition parties challenge the ruling party's policies and provide alternative programs for governance.
Correct answer is: Provide an alternative to the ruling party and hold it accountable
Q.7 Which of the following is a characteristic of ideological parties?
Focus on winning elections only
Represent specific social groups
Promote a set of beliefs or ideology
Avoid political ideology
Explanation - Ideological parties are organized around a specific political ideology, such as socialism, liberalism, or conservatism.
Correct answer is: Promote a set of beliefs or ideology
Q.8 What is the main function of political parties in a democracy?
To establish monopolies in business
To mobilize voters, contest elections, and form governments
To enforce laws directly
To provide social services only
Explanation - Political parties play a key role in democratic systems by organizing elections, forming governments, and providing policy choices.
Correct answer is: To mobilize voters, contest elections, and form governments
Q.9 What is meant by a dominant-party system?
A system with no political parties
A system with multiple parties but one party consistently dominates
A system with two equal parties
A coalition of all parties
Explanation - In a dominant-party system, multiple parties may exist, but one party consistently wins elections and holds power over long periods.
Correct answer is: A system with multiple parties but one party consistently dominates
Q.10 A 'splinter party' is:
A party formed by a faction breaking away from a larger party
A party with a single-issue focus
A party legally banned by the state
A party that only exists during elections
Explanation - Splinter parties emerge when a faction within a larger party separates due to ideological or leadership differences.
Correct answer is: A party formed by a faction breaking away from a larger party
Q.11 Which system encourages coalition governments the most?
One-party system
Two-party system
Multiparty system
No-party system
Explanation - In multiparty systems, no single party may achieve a majority, leading to coalition governments between parties.
Correct answer is: Multiparty system
Q.12 Which of the following is NOT a function of political parties?
Forming government
Mobilizing voters
Judging legal disputes
Formulating public policy
Explanation - Political parties do not perform judicial functions; they focus on governance, representation, and policy-making.
Correct answer is: Judging legal disputes
Q.13 What distinguishes a regional party from a national party?
Regional parties focus on local interests, while national parties aim to influence the entire country
Regional parties are illegal
National parties contest only one election
Regional parties have more members than national parties
Explanation - Regional parties primarily focus on the interests of a specific region or state, whereas national parties have a wider, nationwide agenda.
Correct answer is: Regional parties focus on local interests, while national parties aim to influence the entire country
Q.14 Which of these is a key reason for the formation of coalition governments?
Majority party wins all seats
No single party achieves a majority
Opposition parties are banned
One-party dominance
Explanation - Coalition governments form when no single party secures an absolute majority, requiring collaboration among multiple parties.
Correct answer is: No single party achieves a majority
Q.15 What is a 'single-issue party'?
A party that focuses on one specific policy or issue
A party with no policy agenda
A party that wins all elections
A faction within a dominant party
Explanation - Single-issue parties are formed to promote a particular cause, such as environmental protection or prohibition.
Correct answer is: A party that focuses on one specific policy or issue
Q.16 Which of the following is an example of a two-party system?
India
United States
France
South Africa
Explanation - The United States primarily has two dominant parties: the Democrats and the Republicans.
Correct answer is: United States
Q.17 What role do political parties play in representation?
They represent the interests of citizens and social groups
They only govern the country
They enforce the law
They act as judicial authorities
Explanation - Political parties aggregate and represent the interests of various groups in society within the political system.
Correct answer is: They represent the interests of citizens and social groups
Q.18 What is meant by the term 'party system'?
The structure and rules of all political parties in a country
A single political party running a country
The voting method for elections
The judiciary of a state
Explanation - A party system refers to the organization, interaction, and competition among political parties within a country.
Correct answer is: The structure and rules of all political parties in a country
Q.19 Which of the following parties is considered ideologically extreme?
Socialist Party
Communist Party
Green Party
Liberal Democratic Party
Explanation - Communist parties often hold extreme ideological positions advocating revolutionary changes to society and economy.
Correct answer is: Communist Party
Q.20 A party system where no party can dominate for long is known as:
Dominant-party system
Fragmented multiparty system
Two-party system
No-party system
Explanation - A fragmented multiparty system has several parties competing with none able to consistently dominate, leading to coalition governments.
Correct answer is: Fragmented multiparty system
Q.21 Which factor most influences party loyalty among voters?
Weather conditions
Ethnicity, ideology, or socio-economic interests
Election year
Judicial rulings
Explanation - Voter loyalty is often influenced by shared ideology, social identity, or economic interests aligned with the party.
Correct answer is: Ethnicity, ideology, or socio-economic interests
Q.22 Which party type typically focuses on representing a social class?
Class-based party
Catch-all party
Single-issue party
Regional party
Explanation - Class-based parties focus on the interests of a specific socio-economic class, such as workers or peasants.
Correct answer is: Class-based party
Q.23 What is a coalition government?
A government formed by a single party with absolute majority
A temporary government formed by non-political actors
A government formed by multiple parties sharing power
A military government
Explanation - Coalition governments occur when multiple parties agree to cooperate to form a majority in parliament.
Correct answer is: A government formed by multiple parties sharing power
Q.24 Which of the following is an advantage of multiparty systems?
Encourages power monopolies
Provides broader representation of society
Simplifies elections
Eliminates smaller parties
Explanation - Multiparty systems allow diverse social, cultural, and political interests to be represented in government.
Correct answer is: Provides broader representation of society
Q.25 What is the role of internal party democracy?
Ensures leaders are appointed without elections
Allows members to participate in decision-making and leadership selection
Limits membership
Excludes youth from decision-making
Explanation - Internal party democracy allows members to influence policies, elect leaders, and participate in party governance.
Correct answer is: Allows members to participate in decision-making and leadership selection