Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Political parties play a vital role in democracy. The following points justify this:

1. Contest Elections: Parties select candidates and contest elections, giving voters a structured choice.

1. Formulate Policies: Parties put forward different policies and programmes. They reduce vast public opinions into a few clear positions for the government to act upon.

1. Making Laws: Parties play a decisive role in law-making. Most legislators follow party direction while debating and passing laws.

1. Form Governments: Parties recruit and train leaders who form governments and take major policy decisions.

1. Role of Opposition: Parties that lose elections act as opposition, criticise government failures, voice different views, and keep the government accountable.

1. Shape Public Opinion: Parties raise issues, highlight problems, and launch movements, helping opinions in society crystallise.

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

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

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• Examiners expect 5 distinct functions with brief explanation for a 5-mark answer. Listing 6–7 shows thorough understanding.
• Use the exact functional headings from the textbook (contest elections, form government, opposition, etc.) — these are the scoring points.
• Avoid vague statements; each point must name the function and briefly explain it (one line each).
• Do not write about challenges/problems of parties here — the question asks you to justify their importance.