In a real mass party the highest policy making body in the party organizational hierarchy is the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which body is the highest policy-making body in a true mass party's organizational hierarchy.

Step 2: Explain the concept A mass party is built on a wide base of ordinary members (who pay dues, attend meetings, and take part in party affairs) rather than a small elite. Its structure usually runs from the grassroots (ward/branch) up through local, state, and national levels.

In this structure, the national congress (or national convention/conference) is the supreme organ. It brings together delegates from all levels of the party, so it represents the whole membership. It:

• Makes or approves the party's basic policies and manifesto
• Amends the party constitution
• Elects or confirms the national officers and the executive body

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. National congress: the delegate assembly of the whole party and the supreme body. ✔
• B. National Executive Council: it runs the party between congresses and carries out the congress's decisions, so it ranks below the congress.
• C. National secretary: an administrative officer, not a policy-making body.
• D. National publicity department: handles publicity and information only.
• E. Parliamentary Party Committee: coordinates party members in the legislature and does not set overall party policy.

Step 4: Answer The highest policy-making body in a real mass party is the national congress, which is option A.

Exam tip: Remember the order of authority: Congress/Convention (supreme) → National Executive Council (day-to-day running) → Officers and departments. When a question says "highest" or "supreme" in a party, look for the body that represents all members, which is the congress or convention.