Political Parties Class 10 important questions with answers

What comes in the exam

• Political Parties is in Political Science (Democratic Politics – II).
• About a third of the questions are 1-mark MCQs, then 3-mark and 5-mark answers, some Assertion–Reason, a 4-mark case study and 2-mark questions.
• Almost every year you get the functions of political parties, the challenges before parties, why we need parties, and the one-party, two-party and multiparty systems.
• Questions on State parties and on efforts to reform parties, mostly MCQs, also come almost every year.

Top 10 Political Parties questions from board papers

Real CBSE questions, printed as they appeared. Open each answer to see the marking and the steps.

1. Q1 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2026

   Who ordered candidate affidavits

   Which of the following made it mandatory for candidates contesting elections to disclose details of their assets and pending criminal cases against them through an affidavit ?

   • (A) The Supreme Court of India
   • (B) The Central Government of India
   • (C) The Law Commission of India
   • (D) The Political Parties of India
   Answer and marking

   Correct option: (A) The Supreme Court of India

   1. Recall who ordered the affidavit rule to cut criminal and money influence in elections. The Supreme Court passed an order: every candidate must file an affidavit on property and criminal cases
   2. The order came from the court, so pick that option. Answer: (A) The Supreme Court of India 1 mark

   Answer: (A) The Supreme Court of India

   Marks: Correct option 1

   For full marks: Link each party reform to who made it: affidavit rule — Supreme Court; organisational elections and tax returns — Election Commission.

   Where students lose marks: Choosing (B) the Central Government — the government did not make this rule; the Supreme Court ordered it.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (A) The Supreme Court of India

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2. Q2 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2026

   Reforms for the party system

   Suggest any two reforms to strengthen 'party system' in India.

   Answer and marking

   1. Suggest a reform inside the party itself. Strengthen internal democracy so ordinary workers can rise, and give about one-third of tickets to women. 1 mark
   2. Add a reform about elections. Check the role of money and muscle power in elections. 1 mark

   Answer: Stronger internal democracy and one-third tickets to women ; check money and muscle power

   Marks: Any two points 1 each

   For full marks: Each reform should fix a named weakness of parties. Two different reforms earn both marks.

   Where students lose marks: Naming a challenge, such as 'dynastic succession', without saying the reform earns no mark.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any two (2x1=2): stronger internal democracy; check money and muscle power; meaningful choices for voters; ordinary workers can rise; about one-third tickets to women; pressure from citizens, pressure groups, media; accommodate social/regional divisions; strengthen the multiparty system; any other relevant point.

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3. Q3 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2026

   Series of functions of parties

   “Political parties perform a series of functions in the democracy.” Explain the statement with examples.

   Answer and marking

   1. Give the first function with an example of how candidates are chosen. Parties contest elections; e.g. in India top party leaders choose candidates, in the USA members and supporters do 1 mark
   2. Say how parties group views, with the result. Parties put forward policies and programmes, grouping many opinions into a few basic positions that guide government policy 1 mark
   3. Give the role of losing parties, with what they do. Losing parties act as opposition: they voice different views, criticise government failures and mobilise opposition 1 mark

   Answer: Contest elections (India vs USA) ; put forward policies ; act as opposition

   Marks: Any three functions 1 each

   For full marks: The question asks for examples — give one with at least one function, such as how India and the USA choose candidates.

   Where students lose marks: Listing three functions with no example, when the question asks you to explain with examples.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any three (3x1): contest elections; put forward different policies and programmes, grouping opinions into a few basic positions; decisive role in making laws; recruit and train leaders and form/run governments as ministers; losing parties act as opposition — voice alternative views, criticise failures, mobilise opinion; raise and highlight issues, launch movements, shape public opinion; give people access to government machinery and welfare schemes; any other relevant point.

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4. Q4 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2025

   Challenges before parties

   Explain three major challenges before Political Parties in India.

   Answer and marking

   1. Name the first challenge and give its signs. Lack of internal democracy: power is concentrated in one or a few leaders, with no membership registers, meetings or regular internal elections 1 mark
   2. Name the challenge about who reaches the top. Dynastic succession: with no open, transparent procedures, top posts go to the leader's family or close people 1 mark
   3. Name the challenge seen most during elections. Growing role of money and muscle power: rich candidates are chosen, donors influence policy, and criminals who can win are supported 1 mark

   Answer: Lack of internal democracy ; dynastic succession ; money and muscle power

   Marks: Any three challenges 1 each

   For full marks: Name each challenge and explain it in one line; 'explain' needs more than a heading.

   Where students lose marks: Giving 'no internal elections' and 'lack of internal democracy' as two separate challenges, which earns only one mark.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any three (3x1=3): lack of internal democracy - power concentrated in one or few leaders, no membership registers, meetings or regular internal elections; dynastic succession; no open, transparent procedures; growing role of money and muscle power - candidates chosen for money, rich donors influence policy, support to criminals who can win; parties do not offer a meaningful choice to voters; any other relevant point.

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5. Q5 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2025

   Why India is multiparty

   Why did India adopt the multiparty system ? Explain with suitable arguments.

   Answer and marking

   1. Start with the book's key idea that a party system is not simply picked. A party system is not chosen; it is conditioned by a country's special circumstances. 1 mark
   2. Link the system to India's diversity. India's social and geographical diversity is not easily absorbed by two or even three parties. 1 mark
   3. Say what the system makes possible. A multiparty system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation. 1 mark

   Answer: Conditioned by circumstances ; social and geographical diversity ; variety of interests represented

   Marks: Any three points 1 each

   For full marks: Use the word 'diversity' and say why two parties cannot absorb it. Three separate arguments.

   Where students lose marks: Writing that India's leaders voted to choose a multiparty system is wrong; the book says it evolved from circumstances.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any three, 1 each: a party system is not chosen but conditioned by a country's circumstances; India's social diversity; vast geographical diversity cannot be absorbed by two or three parties; multiparty system lets a variety of interests and opinions get representation; any other relevant point.

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6. Q6 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2026

   Case: how many parties source

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : How many political parties ? In some countries, only one party is allowed to control and run the government. These are called one-party systems. In some countries, power usually changes between two main parties. Several other parties may exist, contest elections and win a few seats in the national legislatures. Such a party system is called two-party system. If several parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others, we call it a multiparty system. (27.1) Explain the main feature of 'multi-party system'. (1) (27.2) Why is a 'one-party system' not compatible with democracy ? (1) (27.3) Explain the main characteristics of a coalition government. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (i) Say how many parties have a real chance of power. Several parties compete, and more than two have a reasonable chance of coming to power on their own or in alliance 1 mark
   2. (ii) Say what citizens lose under one party. It denies citizens a choice of who forms the government, as only one party is allowed to rule 1 mark
   3. (iii) Say how a coalition government is formed. When no single party wins a majority, it takes the support of other parties to form the government 1 mark
   4. Say whose voices a coalition brings into government. A variety of interests and opinions get political representation 1 mark

   Answer: (i) More than two parties can come to power ; (ii) no choice for citizens ; (iii) formed with other parties' support ; variety of interests represented

   Marks: (i) 1 · (ii) 1 · (iii) Two points 1 each

   For full marks: Part (i) is in the source's last line — use its words. Part (iii) needs two separate characteristics.

   Where students lose marks: In (ii) writing only 'it is not democratic' without the reason that citizens get no choice.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (27.1) Any one: several parties compete for power; more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power on their own or in alliance; any other relevant point. (1) (27.2) Any one: it denies citizens the choice of who forms the government; it is almost like dictatorship; it offers no meaningful choice to voters; any other relevant point. (1) (27.3) Any two (2x1=2): when no single party wins a majority it takes the support of other parties to form government; a variety of interests and opinions get political representation; it reduces the dominance of any one party acting on its whims; any other relevant point. (1+1+2=4)

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7. Q7 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2025

   Case: need for parties source

   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. (36.1) Explain the meaning of 'representative democracy'. (1) (36.2) How do political parties shape public opinion ? (1) (36.3) Why are political parties considered a necessary condition for a democracy ? Explain. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (i) Say who governs in this kind of democracy. A system in which citizens choose representatives to govern on their behalf (indirect democracy) 1 mark
   2. (ii) Give one way parties shape what people think. Parties raise and highlight issues 1 mark
   3. (iii) Use the source's line on what parties do with policies. Society needs a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them — parties do this 1 mark
   4. Add the source's line on forming a government. Parties bring various representatives together so that a responsible government can be formed 1 mark

   Answer: (i) Citizens choose representatives to govern for them ; (ii) parties raise and highlight issues ; (iii) mechanism to support or restrain government ; bring representatives together

   Marks: (i) 1 · (ii) 1 · (iii) Two points 1 each

   For full marks: Parts (i) and (iii) are answered in the source's own lines — read it before you write. Part (iii) needs two separate points.

   Where students lose marks: In (iii) writing one long point that only repeats 'parties are necessary', which earns one mark, not two.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (36.1) Any one (1): a system in which citizens choose leaders/representatives to govern on their behalf; also called indirect democracy; any other relevant point. (36.2) Any one (1): they raise and highlight issues; launch movements to resolve people's problems; opinions in society often crystallise on party lines; any other relevant point. (36.3) Any two (1+1): parties are the pillars of democracy; society needed a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them; parties fulfil these needs of every representative government; any other relevant point.

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8. Q8 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2023

   Case: rise of parties source

   Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies. 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. (36.1) Explain the meaning of a ‘political party’. (1) (36.2) “The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies.” Support this statement. (1) (36.3) Why are political parties a necessary condition for a democracy ? Explain. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (36.1) Give the meaning in one full sentence. A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. 1 mark
   2. (36.2) Use the source: link large societies to representatives. Large societies need representative democracy, and parties give a platform to elect representatives who form the government. 1 mark
   3. (36.3) Take the first need from the source. Parties bring various representatives together so that a responsible government can be formed. 1 mark
   4. Take a second, different need from the source. Parties are a mechanism to support or restrain the government, and to make, justify or oppose policies. 1 mark

   Answer: (36.1) Group that contests elections to hold power (36.2) Large societies need representatives; parties provide them (36.3) Form responsible government ; support or restrain government

   Marks: (36.1) 1 · (36.2) 1 · (36.3) Two points 1 each

   For full marks: Read the source first: the 36.2 and 36.3 answers are in its lines. Part 36.3 needs two separate reasons for two marks.

   Where students lose marks: In 36.3, copying the whole source as one block may earn only one mark; split it into two clear reasons.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (36.1) A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government; any other relevant point. (1) (36.2) Any one: large societies need representative democracy; political parties give a platform to elect representatives who form the government; any other relevant point. (1) (36.3) Any two (2×1): parties bring various representatives together so that a responsible government can be formed; they are a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them; they fulfil the needs every representative government has; any other relevant point.

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9. Q9 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2026

   Main challenges before parties

   Describe the main challenges before political parties in India.

   Answer and marking

   1. Name the first challenge, then say what is missing inside the party. Lack of internal democracy: power is concentrated in a few top leaders, with no regular meetings or internal elections. 1 mark
   2. Name the second challenge and say why it is unfair to ordinary members. Dynastic succession: top posts are controlled by members of one family, so ordinary workers rarely rise to the top. 1 mark
   3. Name the third challenge and say when it shows most. Growing role of money and muscle power, especially in elections; rich donors influence party policies. 1 mark
   4. Name the fourth challenge and give the reason voters lose out. Parties do not offer a meaningful choice, because ideological differences among parties have declined. 1 mark
   5. Add a fifth point on how parties hide their working from members. Lack of transparency: parties do not follow open procedures, and ordinary members do not get information on what happens inside. 1 mark

   Answer: Lack of internal democracy ; dynastic succession ; money and muscle power ; no meaningful choice ; lack of transparency

   Marks: Any five points 1 each

   For full marks: Write five separate points, each named and explained in a line. Number them so the examiner can count them.

   Where students lose marks: Splitting one challenge into two, like 'money power' and 'rich donors', counts as one point, leaving only four.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any five (5x1): lack of internal democracy; dynastic succession; growing role of money and muscle power; lack of meaningful choice; lack of transparency; lack of equal opportunity; any other relevant point.

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10. Q10 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2023

    Five functions of parties

    Explain any five major functions of the political parties.

    Answer and marking

    1. Start with the job parties do at election time. Parties contest elections by putting up candidates 1 mark
    2. Say what parties offer voters. Parties put forward policies and programmes, and voters choose from them 1 mark
    3. Say what parties do in the legislature. Parties play a decisive role in making laws 1 mark
    4. Say what the winning parties do. Parties form and run governments 1 mark
    5. Say what the losing parties do. Losing parties act as opposition, voicing different views and criticising the government's failures 1 mark

    Answer: Contest elections ; put forward policies ; make laws ; form governments ; act as opposition

    Marks: Any five functions 1 each

    For full marks: Give five different functions, each with a short line of explanation. Keep within about 120 words.

    Where students lose marks: Listing five functions as single words with no explanation of how the party performs each one.

    CBSE marking scheme

    Any five (5×1): contest elections; put forward policies and programmes for voters to choose; make laws; form and run governments; act as opposition; shape public opinion; provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes; any other relevant point.

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Free 10-question test: Political Parties

MCQ and Assertion–Reason questions from CBSE papers. About 10 minutes. Your score shows straight away.

Common mistakes in Political Parties

How to write for full marks

• Keep to the word limits printed on the paper: about 40 words for 2 marks, 60 for 3 marks, 120 for 5 marks and 100 in all for the case study.
• Start each point with the book's key phrase (contest elections, make laws, form and run governments, act as opposition, shape public opinion), then add one line or an Indian example.
• For 'explain' or 'examine', give a reason with each point, not only a name. For 'why a multiparty system in India', link it to India's social and regional diversity.
• In the case study, read the source first; it often holds the answer. Write each part's number as printed (like 27.1, 27.2) and give as many points as its marks.
• On party systems, write the feature, then one country example such as China (one party) or the USA and UK (two parties).

Questions students ask