Ruling Party: A political party that wins the majority of seats in elections and forms the government. It exercises political power and implements its policies and programmes through the government.
Opposition Party: A party that loses in the elections and does not form the government. It voices different views, criticises government failures or wrong policies, and mobilises public opposition to the government.
The textbook explicitly defines both terms in the "Functions" section of Chapter 4. Examiners expect you to clearly name and define each party type. The key contrast is: ruling party = in power and governs; opposition party = out of power but holds the government accountable. Keep both definitions balanced in length since it's a "differentiate" question worth 2 marks (1 mark each).