A disadvantage of the one-party system is that it

Analyze the question: It asks for a disadvantage of the one-party system, a system where only one political party is legally allowed to exist and contest for power (as in the former Soviet Union, or Ghana under Nkrumah's later years).

Concept: In a one-party state, citizens cannot form or join other political parties. Opposition is banned or suppressed. This affects both freedom and accountability, so we need to pick the option that is the most direct and defining weakness.

Evaluate each option:

• A. Emphasizes political differences: This is a feature of a multi-party system, where competing parties highlight their differences. A one-party system actually plays down differences, so it is not correct.
• B. Makes accountability difficult: This is a plausible disadvantage, since there is no opposition to check the government. However, it is an indirect consequence, and it is not the most direct weakness.
• C. Negates freedom of association: This is the most direct problem. Freedom of association includes the right to form or join political parties of your choice. A one-party system legally forbids this, so it denies the right by its very nature.
• D. Delays decision-making: The one-party system is usually praised for speedy decision-making because there is no opposition to argue with. So this is an advantage, not a disadvantage.

The one-party system by definition restricts citizens from forming or joining other parties, which negates freedom of association.

Exam tip: Remember the pairing:

• One-party system → advantages: quick decisions, national unity, lower cost. Disadvantages: dictatorship, no opposition, suppressed freedoms (association, expression).
• Multi-party system → emphasizes differences, slower decisions, but allows freedom and accountability.

If a question asks about "freedom" and a one-party state, think "restricted or negated."