CBSE Class 10 Social Science Political Parties Notes Set 06

What is a political party?

A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government. Members agree on policies and programmes for the collective good of society and try to win popular support for them through elections. A party is partisan: it stands for one part of society and its view of the common good.

Every party has three components: the leaders, the active members and the followers.

Functions of political parties

1. Contest elections: in most democracies, candidates are put up by parties.

2. Put forward policies and programmes from which voters choose.

3. Make laws: parties guide the making of laws, and most legislators follow their party's line.

4. Form and run governments: the ruling party chooses the executive.

5. Play the role of opposition: parties that lose criticise the government's failures and mobilise opinion against its wrong policies.

6. Shape public opinion by raising issues and running campaigns.

7. Provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes: ordinary people find a local party leader easier to approach than an official.

Why do we need parties?

Imagine an assembly in which every elected member is independent. No one could promise major policy changes, a government might be formed but its stability would be uncertain, and no one would be accountable for how the country is run. Parties bring representatives together to form a government with a common programme, which is why representative democracies everywhere have them.

Party systems

1. One-party system: only one party is allowed to control and run the government, as in China. Free competition for power is absent, so this is not a democratic option.

2. Two-party system: power usually changes between two main parties, though others may exist and win a few seats. Examples are the USA and the UK.

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 government look unstable.

National and state parties

Every party must register with the Election Commission, which treats all parties equally but gives recognised parties special facilities such as a reserved election symbol. A party that secures at least 6 per cent of the total votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four states and wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognised as a national party. A party that secures at least 6 per cent of the votes in a state Assembly election and wins at least two seats is recognised as a state party.

Challenges to parties

1. Lack of internal democracy: power is concentrated in a few leaders, membership registers and organisational elections are neglected.

2. Dynastic succession: top posts often go to relatives of established leaders, even when ordinary workers are more able.

3. Money and muscle power: parties field rich candidates, and rich companies influence party decisions. Criminals may also be put up for winnability.

4. No meaningful choice: policies of different parties differ little, and leaders shift from one party to another.

Reforming parties

The Constitution was amended to stop elected legislators from changing parties, which makes a defector lose the seat. The Supreme Court ordered every candidate to file an affidavit stating criminal cases pending and assets. The Election Commission made it compulsory for parties to hold organisational elections and file income tax returns. Further suggestions include a law to regulate parties' internal affairs, a quota of at least one-third of tickets for women, and state funding of elections. The most lasting pressure comes from citizens through petitions, publicity, agitation and by joining parties.

Worked examples

Example 1. Why is a multi-party system suited to India? India has great social and regional diversity that two parties cannot represent. A multi-party system lets many interests find a voice and allows alliances, although it can lead to coalition governments and instability.

Example 2. State the conditions for recognition as a national party. It must win at least 6 per cent of the votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four states and at least four Lok Sabha seats.

Example 3. How can an ordinary citizen help reform parties? Citizens can pressure parties through petitions and campaigns, use the media, and join parties to improve them from inside.

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