What was the role of parties and educational institutions in spreading socialist ideas?

Correct answer: They carried socialist ideas to other countries in an organised way.

The governing concept is the international spread of socialist thought. Political parties transformed broad ideas into programmes, meetings, campaigns and organised movements, while educational institutions, publications and study circles helped people read, debate and circulate those ideas. Together, they created channels through which socialism reached workers and activists beyond Russia. Option A is correct because it identifies the organised and transnational role of both kinds of institutions. Options B, C and D contradict the historical purpose described: these bodies generally challenged autocracy, exploitation and imperial domination instead of defending the Tsar, colonialism or the suppression of labour movements.