Political Parties Practice Questions
39 free Political Parties practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which authority in India is empowered to register political parties and grant them the status of National or State parties?
- A The Union Ministry of Law and Justice
- B The Election Commission of India
- C The Supreme Court of India
- D The President of India
Correct answer: The Election Commission of India
Under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission of India is the sole authority for registering political parties. It also determines their eligibility for 'National' or 'State' status based on their performance in elections.
What is the minimum percentage of valid votes a political party must secure in the last general election to the Legislative Assembly of a State to be recognized as a State Party, provided it also wins at least two seats?
- A 3%
- B 4%
- C 8%
- D 6%
Correct answer: 6%
According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a party is recognized as a State Party if it secures at least 6% of the valid votes polled in the State and wins at least two seats in the Legislative Assembly. This ensures the party has a significant base in that specific state.
To be recognized as a 'National Party', a political party must be recognized as a 'State Party' in at least how many states?
- A Two States
- B Three States
- C Five States
- D Four States
Correct answer: Four States
One of the criteria for recognition as a National Party is being recognized as a State Party in four or more states. Alternatively, it can qualify by winning a specific number of seats and vote percentages across multiple states.
Which of the following is a direct benefit of being recognized as a 'National Party' in India?
- A An exclusive election symbol reserved for use nationwide
- B Automatic exemption from filing income tax returns every year
- C Mandatory representation in the Rajya Sabha
- D The right to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner
Correct answer: An exclusive election symbol reserved for use nationwide
Recognized National Parties are entitled to an exclusive 'reserved' symbol that is valid across all states in India. Unrecognized registered parties, conversely, must choose from a list of 'free symbols' provided by the Commission for each election.
Which document governs the allotment of symbols to political parties and candidates in India?
- A The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
- B The Representation of the People Act, 1950 (as originally enacted)
- C The Constitution of India, Part XV (Elections)
- D The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961
Correct answer: The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, provides the legal framework for the specification, reservation, and allotment of symbols. It also gives the Election Commission the power to resolve disputes between splinter groups of a recognized party.
What happens to the status of a political party if it fails to meet the criteria for recognition in subsequent elections?
- A It loses recognized status but remains a registered-unrecognized party
- B It is immediately banned from contesting future elections
- C Its registration is cancelled by the Ministry of Home Affairs
- D It is automatically merged into the largest existing political party by law
Correct answer: It loses recognized status but remains a registered-unrecognized party
Recognition is based on poll performance; if a party fails to meet the threshold, it loses the privileges of a recognized party, such as a reserved symbol. However, it continues to exist as a registered-unrecognized party unless its registration is specifically revoked.
In India, political parties are categorized into which three types by the Election Commission?
- A National, State, and Registered-unrecognized parties
- B National, Regional, and Local parties
- C Ruling Party, Opposition Alliance, and Independent parties
- D Constitutional, Statutory, and Private parties
Correct answer: National, State, and Registered-unrecognized parties
The Election Commission classifies parties into National parties, State parties, and Registered-unrecognized parties. This classification is primarily for the purpose of symbol allotment and media time during elections.
Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a party to be recognized as a National Party?
- A Winning 2% of seats in the Lok Sabha from at least three different states
- B Securing 6% of valid votes in 4+ states and winning 4 Lok Sabha seats
- C Securing 8% of the total valid votes in a state in a Lok Sabha election
- D Being officially recognized as a State Party in at least four different states
Correct answer: Securing 8% of the total valid votes in a state in a Lok Sabha election
Securing 8% of the total valid votes in a state is a criterion for recognition as a State Party, not a National Party. National Party status requires a broader geographic performance across at least three or four states.
How many 'Star Campaigners' can a recognized political party have for an election campaign?
- A 10
- B 20
- C 30
- D 40
Correct answer: 40
Recognized National and State parties are allowed up to 40 star campaigners, whose travel expenses are not added to the candidate's election expenditure. Unrecognized registered parties are allowed only 20 star campaigners.
Which Constitutional Amendment Act introduced the Anti-Defection Law to prevent floor-crossing by party members?
- A 42nd Amendment Act
- B 44th Amendment Act
- C 52nd Amendment Act
- D 91st Amendment Act
Correct answer: 52nd Amendment Act
The 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1985 added the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution, popularly known as the Anti-Defection Law. It provides for the disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the grounds of defection from one political party to another.
Who decides the question of disqualification of a member of a House on the grounds of defection under the Tenth Schedule?
- A The President of India
- B The Election Commission of India
- C The Presiding Officer of the House
- D The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India
Correct answer: The Presiding Officer of the House
According to the Tenth Schedule, the decision on disqualification due to defection is made by the Chairman or the Speaker of the respective House. Their decision is subject to judicial review following the Kihoto Hollohan case (1992).
A political party in India must include a specific provision in its constitution/rules to be registered. What is this provision?
- A A formal pledge of unconditional support to the ruling government of the day
- B Allegiance to the principles of socialism, secularism, and democracy
- C A requirement to have at least one million members
- D A ban on any religious members joining the party
Correct answer: Allegiance to the principles of socialism, secularism, and democracy
Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, requires that a party's constitution must contain a specific provision stating its allegiance to the Constitution of India and the principles of socialism, secularism, and democracy.
What is the primary function of the 'Opposition' in a parliamentary democracy like India?
- A To block and oppose every single piece of legislation introduced by the ruling government
- B To provide a 'Shadow Cabinet' and question the policies of the ruling party
- C To assist the Election Commission in conducting polls
- D To appoint the Governors of the various states
Correct answer: To provide a 'Shadow Cabinet' and question the policies of the ruling party
The Opposition plays a crucial role in holding the government accountable by criticizing its policies and providing alternative perspectives. In India, the leader of the largest opposition party (with at least 10% seats) is recognized as the Leader of the Opposition.
What is the time limit for a political party to apply for registration with the Election Commission after its formation?
- A 15 days
- B 30 days
- C 60 days
- D 90 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Under the law, an association or body of individual citizens of India calling itself a political party must submit an application for registration to the Election Commission within 30 days following the date of its formation.
Which of the following correctly describes 'Coalition Politics' in the context of Indian political parties?
- A A single political party winning an absolute majority of seats in the Lok Sabha, without any alliance
- B Multiple parties coming together to form a government when no single party has a majority
- C The merger of two National parties into one
- D The disqualification of all independent candidates
Correct answer: Multiple parties coming together to form a government when no single party has a majority
Coalition politics occurs when multiple political parties join forces to form a government, sharing power and cabinet positions. This has been a prominent feature of Indian politics at both the Central and State levels since the late 1980s.
The 'Right to Vote' in India is which kind of right according to the Supreme Court?
- A Fundamental Right
- B Inalienable Natural Right
- C Constitutional Right
- D Executive Right
Correct answer: Constitutional Right
While Article 326 of the Constitution provides for Universal Adult Suffrage, the Supreme Court has clarified that the right to vote is a Constitutional/Statutory right rather than a Fundamental Right. It is regulated by the Representation of the People Act.
Under the 91st Amendment Act, what is the minimum fraction of members of a party that must 'merge' with another party to avoid disqualification?
- A One-third
- B One-fourth
- C Two-thirds
- D One-half
Correct answer: Two-thirds
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act (2003) deleted the provision regarding 'splits' (one-third) and mandated that at least two-thirds of the members of a party must agree to a merger with another party to be exempt from disqualification under the Tenth Schedule.
A 'Registered-Unrecognized' political party is allowed to choose its symbol from which of the following?
- A A list of symbols reserved for National parties
- B A list of 'Free Symbols' announced by the Election Commission
- C Any religious symbol of their choice
- D Symbols used by political parties in other countries around the world
Correct answer: A list of 'Free Symbols' announced by the Election Commission
Registered-unrecognized parties do not have a permanent reserved symbol. They must select from the 'free symbols' pool for each election, and the allotment is done on a first-come, first-served basis unless certain conditions for common symbols are met.
The concept of 'Internal Party Democracy' in India refers to which of the following?
- A Regular conduct of internal elections for various party organizational posts
- B The party's ability to win elections against other parties
- C The party's support for democratic movements in foreign nations
- D The formal adoption of democratic values and principles in the party's official manifesto
Correct answer: Regular conduct of internal elections for various party organizational posts
Internal party democracy involves holding regular organizational elections to choose party leaders and office-bearers. While the Election Commission urges parties to practice this, there is currently no strict statutory law mandating specific internal democratic procedures.
Which authority in India registers political parties?
- A Supreme Court of India
- B Election Commission
- C Parliament of India
- D President of India
Correct answer: Election Commission
The Election Commission of India registers political parties under the Representation of the People Act. It also grants recognition as State or National parties. This ensures regulation of party activities.
Under which Act are political parties registered in India?
- A Indian Penal Code, 1860
- B Representation of People Act, 1951
- C The Constitution of India, 1950
- D Election Symbols Act, 1968
Correct answer: Representation of People Act, 1951
Political parties are registered under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This Act governs elections and party registration. It provides a legal framework.
What is the time limit for applying for registration of a political party after its formation?
- A 15 days
- B 30 days
- C 60 days
- D 90 days
Correct answer: 30 days
A political party must apply for registration within 30 days of its formation. This ensures timely recognition. The Election Commission verifies the application.
Which document governs the allotment of election symbols in India?
- A Representation of People Act
- B Election Symbols Order, 1968
- C Constitution
- D Model Code of Conduct
Correct answer: Election Symbols Order, 1968
The Election Symbols Order, 1968 governs symbol allotment. It ensures uniformity and clarity in elections. It is issued by the Election Commission.
How many states must a party be recognized in to become a National Party?
- A 2 states
- B 3 states
- C 4 states
- D 5 states
Correct answer: 4 states
A party must be recognized as a State Party in at least four states. This is one of the criteria for National Party status. It reflects nationwide presence.
Which of the following is a benefit of being a recognized political party?
- A Free electricity
- B Reserved election symbol
- C Tax exemption only
- D Guaranteed government funding scheme
Correct answer: Reserved election symbol
Recognized parties get a reserved election symbol. This helps voters easily identify the party. It also provides other benefits like media time.
Which Constitutional Amendment introduced the Anti-Defection Law?
- A 42nd Amendment
- B 44th Amendment
- C 52nd Amendment
- D 86th Amendment
Correct answer: 52nd Amendment
The 52nd Amendment Act, 1985 introduced the Anti-Defection Law. It added the Tenth Schedule. It aims to prevent political defections.
Who decides disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law?
- A President
- B Election Commission of India
- C Speaker/Chairman of House
- D Supreme Court
Correct answer: Speaker/Chairman of House
The Speaker or Chairman decides disqualification under the Tenth Schedule. This ensures internal discipline. Their decision can be subject to judicial review.
What is coalition politics?
- A Single party rule without allies
- B Multiple parties allying to govern
- C Election campaign strategy alone
- D Judicial intervention in elections
Correct answer: Multiple parties allying to govern
Coalition politics refers to alliance of multiple parties. They form a government together. This happens when no party gets majority.
What happens if a party fails to meet recognition criteria?
- A It is banned
- B It becomes unrecognized
- C It dissolves automatically
- D It merges with another party
Correct answer: It becomes unrecognized
If a party fails to meet criteria, it loses recognition. It becomes a registered unrecognized party. It loses certain privileges.
Which of the following is NOT a type of political party classification?
- A National Party
- B State Party
- C Registered Unrecognized Party
- D Judicial Party
Correct answer: Judicial Party
Judicial Party is not a recognized category. Parties are classified as National, State, or Registered Unrecognized. This classification is done by ECI.
What is the main role of opposition in Parliament?
- A Form government
- B Support the ruling party always
- C Hold government accountable
- D Conduct elections
Correct answer: Hold government accountable
The opposition holds the government accountable. It questions policies and decisions. This strengthens democracy.
How many star campaigners can a recognized political party have?
- A 10
- B 20
- C 30
- D 40
Correct answer: 40
A recognized political party can have up to 40 star campaigners. These leaders campaign for the party. Their expenses are treated differently.
What is the concept of internal party democracy?
- A Government control of party matters
- B Democratic functioning within party
- C Judicial review of parties
- D Election Commission control
Correct answer: Democratic functioning within party
Internal party democracy means democratic decision-making within parties. It includes elections and transparency. It strengthens party structure.
Which committee recommended bringing political parties under RTI?
- A Sarkaria Committee on Centre-State Relations
- B Law Commission
- C Second Administrative Reforms Commission
- D Punchhi Commission
Correct answer: Second Administrative Reforms Commission
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommended bringing parties under RTI. It aimed to increase transparency. This is still debated.
What is the minimum vote percentage required for State Party recognition (one condition)?
- A 4%
- B 6%
- C 8%
- D 10%
Correct answer: 6%
A party must secure at least 6% of valid votes in a state. It must also win seats. This is one of the criteria.
What is a registered unrecognized political party?
- A Not registered with the ECI
- B Registered but not recognized
- C Recognized in all states and territories
- D A party that has been banned
Correct answer: Registered but not recognized
These parties are registered with the ECI but have not met the vote/seat thresholds for State or National party status. They still get some benefits, such as a common symbol if they contest from the same constituency, but fewer than recognized parties.
Which principle is followed in Anti-Defection Law?
- A Freedom of speech
- B Party discipline
- C Judicial independence
- D Federalism
Correct answer: Party discipline
Anti-Defection Law enforces party discipline. It prevents members from switching parties. This ensures stable governments.
What is the minimum fraction required for merger to avoid disqualification?
- A One-third
- B Half
- C Two-thirds
- D Three-fourths
Correct answer: Two-thirds
At least two-thirds of members must agree for a merger. This prevents disqualification. It ensures genuine mergers.
Which authority allots election symbols to parties?
- A The Supreme Court of India
- B The Election Commission
- C The Parliament of India
- D The President of India
Correct answer: The Election Commission
The Election Commission of India allots and reserves election symbols to political parties and candidates under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. This ensures uniform, fair allocation for voter identification.