Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Political parties provide ordinary citizens access to government machinery and welfare schemes by acting as a bridge between people and the government. It is easier for a citizen to approach a local party leader than a government officer. Party workers help people avail welfare schemes and get their problems heard by those in power.

Citizens feel close to parties even without fully trusting them because parties are the most accessible link they have to government. They know that parties must stay responsive to people's needs, otherwise voters can reject them in the next elections.

Source: Chapter 4 — Democratic Politics, "Why do we need political parties?" — Functions

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• The key point is function 7 from the chapter: parties provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
• Examiners expect you to mention: (1) local party leader vs. government officer, (2) responsiveness to people, (3) threat of rejection in elections as the reason parties stay accountable.
• Do not write about challenges or other functions — stay focused on what the question asks.
• For 3 marks, two clear points with brief explanation each is sufficient; no need for lengthy paragraphs.