A disadvantage of the one-party system is that it

1. Analyze the question The question asks for a disadvantage of the one-party system. We need the weakness that most directly follows from having only one political party in control.

2. Explain the concept In a one-party system, only one political party is legally allowed to exist and govern. Examples include the Soviet Union under the Communist Party and Ghana briefly under Nkrumah's CPP. Because the ruling party holds all power, the system tends to:

• Suppress or ban rival parties and dissenting voices
• Limit freedom of speech and association
• Make the party and the state almost the same thing

3. Evaluate each option

• A. Is costly to operate: Incorrect. One-party systems are often argued to be cheaper, since there are no costly multi-party campaigns. This is usually listed as an advantage.
• B. Does not tolerate opposition: Correct. Since only one party is allowed, opposition is suppressed or outlawed. This is the classic and most direct disadvantage, and it leads to dictatorship and abuse of power.
• C. Does not care about the feelings of the masses: Too vague and not a defining feature. A one-party state can still try to appeal to the people, and this is not a standard textbook point.
• D. Discourages periodic elections: Not accurate. One-party states often do hold elections, though they are not competitive. The real problem is the lack of choice, not the absence of elections.

4. Answer The correct option is B, because intolerance of opposition is the defining weakness of the one-party system. It removes checks and balances and encourages authoritarian rule.

5. Exam tip For "disadvantage of one-party system" questions, think "no opposition = no checks." Typical disadvantages are:

• Suppression of opposition
• Dictatorship
• Limited freedom of expression

Typical advantages are:

• National unity
• Lower cost
• Quick decision-making