The mass type of party is ________

Analyze the question: The question asks for the description of a mass party in Government (Political Science), under the topic of political parties and their classifications.

Explain the concept: Political parties are classified in several ways. One common classification is:

• Elite (cadre) party: Run by a small group of influential, wealthy, or well-connected people, with limited membership.
• Mass party: Seeks to recruit as many members as possible from all sections of society, regardless of class, religion, or ethnic background. It is open to the general public, depends on membership dues and wide support, and has branches at grassroots level.

In other words, the mass party is broad-based, because its membership and appeal cover a wide range of people.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Capitalist and feudalist describe economic or social systems, not types of party by membership structure. Eliminate B and C.
2. Conservative describes an ideology (a party that wants to preserve existing traditions and institutions). It is not a membership-based classification. Eliminate D.
3. Broad-based matches the idea of a mass party: wide membership drawn from all classes and groups.

Correct answer: A. broad-based

Exam tip: Remember it this way: Mass = Many people = Broad-based. Elite/cadre parties are narrow and exclusive, while mass parties are broad and inclusive. In Nigeria, parties such as the APC and PDP try to present themselves as mass parties with nationwide membership.