Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Political parties shape public opinion in the following ways:

1. Raising issues: Parties raise and highlight important issues in society, bringing them to public attention.
2. Spreading opinions: With lakhs of members and activists spread across the country, parties help spread their views widely.
3. Mobilising support: Parties launch movements and campaigns, causing opinions in society to crystallise along the lines parties take.
4. Pressure groups: Many pressure groups are extensions of political parties among different sections of society, further influencing public opinion.

Source: Democratic Politics, Chapter 4 — Functions of Political Parties

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• The textbook directly states: "Parties shape public opinion. They raise and highlight issues… Often opinions in the society crystallise on the lines parties take." Quote or paraphrase this for full marks.
• For a 2-mark question, 2–3 clear points are sufficient. Avoid writing a long paragraph.
• Key terms to use: raise issues, activists, pressure groups, crystallise.