Why Do We Need Political Parties?
Why Do We Need Political Parties?: Overview
This topic tells that political parties are groups of people who contest elections and hold powers in government. They put forward policies and shape the opinions of the people. They provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
Important Questions on Why Do We Need Political Parties?
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a _____ (political party/pressure group).
What are the characteristics of a political party?
What is a political party?
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
Read the passage carefully and answer the question below:
What did Kishenji mean by an alternative political formation? The question came up in a conversation between Sudha, Karuna, Shaheen and Gracy, four political activists leading successful political movements in four different nations. Kishenji was regarded as a political philosopher, moral guide, and friend by all four of them. Kishenji argued that: "Movements focused on a single issue are suitable if we wish to achieve limited changes in a particular aspect of life. But if we want to bring about a fundamental social transformation, we would need a political organization".
- Gracy felt that Kishenji never clarified what does he mean by an alternative political formation. She felt that political parties were obsolete instruments for social change.
- Sudha agreed with her and added that the moment one forms a political party they lose the goodwill of the people.
- Karuna added that a lot can be achieved by putting pressure on political parties rather than contesting directly in elections.
- Shaheen disagreed with all of them. He argued that Kishenji wanted all the people's movements to forge a new political party that is different from traditional, corrupt parties.
Kishenji is no more. What would be your advice to these four activists? Should they form a new political party? Can a political party become a moral force in politics? What should that party be like?
On what grounds do people support a political party? Explain.
