Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Political parties play a key role in shaping public opinion through the following ways:

1. Raising issues: Parties raise and highlight important issues affecting society, drawing public attention to them.

1. Mobilising opinion: With lakhs of members and activists spread across the country, parties spread their views and influence people's thinking at the grassroots level.

1. Pressure groups: Many pressure groups are extensions of political parties, helping crystallise opinions among different sections of society.

1. Launching movements: Parties launch movements for the resolution of problems faced by people, further influencing public discourse.

Often, opinions in society crystallise along the lines that parties take on key issues.

Source: Democratic Politics – II, Chapter 4 (Functions of Political Parties)

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• The examiner expects you to cite specific ways parties shape public opinion — not generic statements about democracy.
• The key phrase from the textbook is: "Parties raise and highlight issues… often opinions in society crystallise on the lines parties take." Use it.
• Three well-explained points are sufficient for 3 marks. Don't over-write.
• Mentioning pressure groups as extensions of parties is a scoring detail most students miss.