Political parties in democracies are categorized mainly into four groups: reactionary, conservative, liberal, and ___.

Radical

The Indian party system is characterized by a predominance of ___ despite the existence of multiple parties.

One-dominant party system

True or False: Most political parties in India have a clear and distinct ideology.

False. Most political parties in India lack a clear ideology and are similar in their ideas.

Fill in the blank: The political parties in India often revolve around a prominent ___ who becomes more significant than the party itself.

Leader

What feature of the Indian party system has contributed to the emergence of numerous regional parties?

The vast size and diversity of India's society.

Fill in the blank: Political parties in India are often formed based on traditional factors such as ___, ___, and ___ rather than social or economic ideas.

Religion, caste, language

True or False: The lack of effective opposition in India strengthens the functioning of its parliamentary democracy.

False. A lack of effective opposition weakens the checks and balances essential for democracy.

What is a significant challenge faced by political parties in India, particularly after the fourth general elections in 1967?

Factionalism and defections leading to political instability.

Fill in the blank: A political party in India may be recognized as a national party if it secures ___ percent of valid votes in any four or more states.

Six

How does the Indian party system differ from Western countries in terms of party formation?

Indian party system is unique.

• Parties often formed by religion.

• Caste and culture influence formation.

• Western parties focus on ideologies.

What is the primary focus of most political parties in India, even those claiming strong beliefs?

Gaining political power rather than adhering to specific principles.

Fill in the blank: The term used by political analyst Rajni Kothari to describe the Indian party system dominated by one party is ___ system.

One-party dominance

True or False: Regional parties in India have remained confined to local politics and have not gained national prominence.

False. Regional parties have gained prominence on the national stage, especially in coalition governments.

What conditions must be met for a party to be recognized as a state party in India?

It must secure six percent of valid votes and win a certain number of seats in the assembly or Lok Sabha.

Fill in the blank: The Indian political landscape often results in ___ Parliaments and coalition governments due to the large number of parties.

Hung

How do personality cults impact political parties in India?

They shift focus from party principles to the influence of individual leaders, often overshadowing party goals.

What percentage of valid votes polled is required for a party to be recognized as a national party in India?

Six percent in any four or more states.

What has led to the fragmentation and disintegration of political parties in India?

Factionalism and defections driven by the desire for power and material gains.

Fill in the blank: In the Indian party system, parties often support democracy, secularism, socialism, and ___ as common principles.

Gandhism

What are the primary characteristics that define the Indian multi-party system?

The Indian multi-party system is diverse.

• Many political parties exist.

• Dominated historically by Congress.

• Regional parties play a key role.