CBSE Class 10 Social Science Political Parties Notes Set 05

What is a political party?

A political party is an organised group of people who join together to contest elections and hold power in government. Its members agree on certain policies and programmes that they believe serve the collective good, and they try to persuade voters that these are better than the ideas of other parties. Because a party speaks for one section of opinion, it is called partisan: it is known by what it stands for, which policies it supports and whose interests it upholds.

Every party has three components: 1. the leaders, 2. the active members, and 3. the followers (ordinary supporters).

Functions of political parties

1. Contesting elections: in most democracies elections are fought mainly between candidates put up by parties.
2. Putting forward policies and programmes: voters choose from the options placed before them.
3. Making laws: legislators usually vote along the line taken by their party.
4. Forming and running governments: the ruling party selects the executive.
5. Playing the role of opposition: parties outside government criticise its failures and mobilise opinion against wrong policies.
6. Shaping public opinion: parties raise issues and run campaigns that reach millions of people.
7. Providing access to government machinery and welfare schemes: ordinary people find a local party worker easier to approach than an official.

Why do we need parties?

Imagine an election in which every candidate is independent. No candidate could promise any major change in policy, and even if one did, there would be no guarantee it could be carried out. Elected members would answer only to their own constituencies, and nobody would be responsible for how the country as a whole is run. Parties therefore bring representatives together to form governments and make them accountable.

Party systems

1. One-party system: only one party is allowed to control and run the government, as in China. It is not a democratic option because there is no free competition for power.
2. Two-party system: power usually changes between two main parties, as in the USA and the UK, although other parties may exist.
3. Multi-party system: several parties compete and more than two have a reasonable chance of coming to power alone or in alliance, as in India. It allows many interests and opinions to be represented, but can make governments less stable. Parties that join hands to contest or govern form an alliance or coalition.

National and state parties

The Election Commission registers parties and recognises them as national or state parties. As given in the textbook, a party is recognised as a state party if it secures at least 6 per cent of the total votes in a state Assembly election and wins at least 2 seats. It is recognised as a national party if it secures at least 6 per cent of the votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four states and wins at least 4 Lok Sabha seats.

Challenges before parties

1. Lack of internal democracy: parties often keep no membership registers, hold no organisational elections, and power stays with a few top leaders.
2. Dynastic succession: people close to top leaders get tickets and positions, even without experience or support.
3. Money and muscle power: rich people and companies influence parties, and criminals are sometimes fielded to win elections.
4. No meaningful choice: policies of parties are often similar and leaders shift from one party to another.

Reforming parties

The anti-defection law was passed so that a legislator who changes party after being elected loses the seat. By order of the Supreme Court, every candidate must file an affidavit giving details of property and criminal cases pending. The Election Commission has made it compulsory for parties to hold organisational elections and file income tax returns. Further suggestions include a law to regulate the internal affairs of parties, a quota of at least one-third of tickets for women, and state funding of elections. Public pressure through petitions, publicity and agitations, and wider participation in party politics, remains the surest route to reform.

Worked examples

Example 1. Distinguish between a two-party and a multi-party system.
Answer: In a two-party system only two parties have a real chance of winning, so power alternates between them, as in the USA. In a multi-party system many parties compete and may govern in alliance, so more opinions are represented, as in India.

Example 2. Why was the anti-defection law introduced?
Answer: Legislators often changed parties for personal gain after being elected, which defeated the choice made by voters. The law disqualifies a defector from membership of the House, which discourages this practice.

Example 3. How does the opposition help democracy?
Answer: It criticises the government's failures and policies, which keeps the ruling party from acting arbitrarily. It also voices public opinion and stays prepared to form the government.

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