Question

Categorise these photographs by the functions of political parties they illustrate. Find one photograph or news clipping from your own area for each of the functions listed above.

Answer 1

Categorisation of Photographs

1. Photograph 1 (Protest against onion and LPG price hikes)
   • Function: Shaping Public Opinion.
   • Explanation: Political parties address and highlight crucial public concerns. They organise protests, demonstrations, and agitations to mobilise the public and put pressure on the government to solve their problems.
2. Photograph 2 (Minister distributing relief cheques to hooch victims)
   • Function: Providing Access to Government Machinery and Welfare Schemes.
   • Explanation: Parties act as a link between ordinary citizens and local government organisations. Ordinary citizens often find it easier to approach a local party leader or minister for quick aid or access to social benefits than to negotiate complex government processes.
3. Photograph 3 (Rally protesting corporate iron ore export permissions)
   • Function: Playing the Role of Opposition & Shaping Public Opinion.
   • Explanation: By rallying against a policy decision made by the ruling State Government, these opposition parties are expressing opposing viewpoints in the legislature, criticising the government for perceived failings, and mobilising resistance to its policies.