Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Political parties are essential to democracy for the following reasons:

1. Contesting elections: Parties select and put up candidates for elections, making the electoral process organised and meaningful.

1. Policy formulation: Parties present different policies and programmes to voters, giving them a choice and helping governments frame policies.

1. Forming government: Parties form and run governments; party leaders become ministers and take major policy decisions.

1. Role of opposition: Parties that lose elections act as opposition, criticising government failures and voicing alternative views.

1. Shaping public opinion: Parties raise issues, mobilise people and help opinions crystallise on important matters.

Without political parties, elected representatives would be accountable only to their constituency with no one responsible for running the country as a whole.

Source: Chapter 4 — Political Parties, Functions and Necessity

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• This is a 3-mark question, so 3 clear points with brief explanation each is ideal. The answer above lists 5 short points; in the exam you may write any 3 well-explained points for full marks.
• Examiners look for named functions (contesting elections, forming government, opposition role, shaping opinion, providing access) — don't just write vague statements.
• The concluding line on necessity ties the answer together and shows understanding beyond rote listing.
• Avoid copying long paragraphs from the textbook; paraphrase concisely.