Posted by Chester Morton / Monday, 28 November 2016 / No comments
The importance of Political Opposition
Definition of political opposition
A political opposition can be defined as the party or group
of parties that are not in possession of political power. In another sense, it is
the largest party or group of parties after the ruling party. An example of an
opposition party is the New Patriotic Party in Ghana.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
POLITICAL OPPOSITION
Buffer against tyranny
An opposition engages in constructive criticism of the government.
This keeps the government of the day on its toes, holding it accountable for
all their action and inaction. By so doing, the government cannot become
dictatorial.
Supports interest of minority
Another importance of a political opposition is the role it
plays in the protection of people in the minority. This is done through its
criticism of government policies that infringe on the rights of the minority.
Serve as government in waiting
Another importance of a political opposition is that being
the second largest party, it has the potentials of coming into government. In
every democracy, elections are held every four or five years. If the people
reject the ruling government, the party available is the opposition.
Ensures smooth change of power
Political oppositions also make sure that there is a smooth
transfer of political power. This is so because it discourages the resort to unorthodox
methods to capture power. Each party knows that one day it is possible for it
to come to power.
Can support government
The political opposition also is able to support the ruling
government, if it chooses to, its quest to develop the country. It is able to
cooperate in some cases, with the ruling government to implement some
importance national policies.
Watchdog role
The opposition party is important as it is the party that scrutinizes
the work of the ruling government to ensure that it acts within the ambit of
the constitution. The opposition party could also take the government to court
if the constitution or aspects of it is violated.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Highlight five ways in which a political opposition party
is important to a nation. [15 marks]
2. a. What is a political opposition? [3 marks]
b. Advance four
reasons why political opposition is important. [12 marks]
