Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Political parties perform the following main functions in a democracy:

1. Contesting Elections: Parties select and put up candidates to contest elections. Voters choose among these candidates.

1. Formulating Policies and Programmes: Parties present different policies and programmes before voters. A government bases its policies on the ruling party's line.

1. Making Laws: Members of the legislature belong to parties and vote according to party direction, thus parties play a decisive role in law-making.

1. Forming and Running Governments: Parties recruit and train leaders who become ministers and run the government.

1. Playing Opposition: Parties that lose elections act as the opposition — they criticise the government's failures and voice alternative views.

1. Shaping Public Opinion: Parties raise issues, highlight problems, and launch movements, helping crystallise public opinion.

1. Providing Access to Government: Parties provide ordinary citizens access to government machinery and welfare schemes.

Source: Chapter 4, "Functions" (Why do we need political parties?)

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The textbook explicitly lists seven functions under the "Functions" sub-heading in Chapter 4. Examiners expect all seven to be named and briefly explained. For 5 marks, write each as a labelled point with one supporting line — don't elaborate beyond that. Using the textbook's own words (e.g., "decisive role in making laws," "shape public opinion") scores well.