Political Parties Class 10 ||Political Science|| Chapter 4 NCERT Notes
1. Meaning of Political Parties
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programs for the society, with the aim of promoting the collective good of the society.
Key Features:
- A political party has three main components:
- Leaders: Who contest elections and hold positions in the government.
- Active members: Who participate actively in party activities.
- Followers: Ordinary people who believe in the party’s ideology and support it.
2. Functions of Political Parties
Political parties play several important roles in a democracy:
Contesting Elections: Political parties nominate candidates for elections, either through primaries (internal elections) or party leadership decisions.
Forming and Running Governments: Political parties form governments after winning elections. The majority party forms the government, and the opposition party acts as a check on the government’s power.
Making Laws: Political parties debate and pass laws in the legislature.
Shaping Public Opinion: Parties shape and influence public opinion through debates, discussions, campaigns, and media.
Providing Access to Government Machinery and Welfare Schemes: Political parties help citizens access government resources and welfare programs.
Acting as a Link Between the Government and the People: They provide a platform for the public to express their grievances and demands.
3. Need for Political Parties
In a democratic system, political parties are essential because:
- They help in the smooth functioning of a representative democracy.
- They bring various people together with similar opinions and interests.
- Without parties, independent candidates would find it difficult to establish stable governance.
4. Types of Party Systems
Political systems across the world differ in the number of political parties that operate:
One-Party System:
- Only one political party controls the government, and no other parties are allowed to compete.
- Example: China (Communist Party of China).
- Merits: Quick decision-making and efficient governance.
- Demerits: No opposition, leading to the risk of dictatorship.
Two-Party System:
- Two major parties dominate the political landscape, and power alternates between them.
- Example: USA (Democratic and Republican parties), UK.
- Merits: Stable government as one party usually has a clear majority.
- Demerits: Limited choice for voters.
Multi-Party System:
- Multiple parties exist, and several have the capacity to gain control of the government, either individually or in coalition.
- Example: India, Germany, France.
- Merits: Offers a wide choice to the voters, representing a broader range of interests.
- Demerits: Can lead to political instability and coalition governments.
5. National and Regional Parties
National Parties:
A political party is recognized as a national party if:
- It secures at least 6% of the valid votes in four or more states in the Lok Sabha or Assembly elections, and
- Wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha.
Some examples of national parties in India:
Indian National Congress (INC):
- Founded in 1885.
- One of the oldest political parties in India.
- Advocates secularism, democracy, and social justice.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):
- Founded in 1980.
- Right-wing party advocating Hindu nationalism and economic reforms.
Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M):
- Advocates Marxist ideology and socialism.
- Strong presence in states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP):
- Founded in 1984 by Kanshi Ram.
- Represents Dalits and marginalized communities.
Regional Parties:
A political party is recognized as a state (regional) party if:
- It secures at least 6% of the valid votes in a state’s legislative assembly elections and wins at least two seats.
Examples:
- Shiv Sena (Maharashtra).
- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) (Tamil Nadu).
- Telugu Desam Party (TDP) (Andhra Pradesh).
6. Challenges Faced by Political Parties
Political parties in India face several challenges:
Lack of Internal Democracy:
- Party leaders often have unchecked powers, and ordinary members are not consulted in decision-making processes.
- There is a tendency for dynastic succession, meaning leadership is passed within the family.
Dynastic Succession:
- Leadership in many parties is passed down through family lines, limiting merit-based leadership.
Money and Muscle Power:
- Elections are expensive, and many candidates use illegal means to secure funds.
- Criminal elements often contest elections to gain power and control over government resources.
Lack of Meaningful Choice for Voters:
- Despite having multiple parties, many parties do not offer distinct ideologies or policies, making it difficult for voters to differentiate between them.
7. Reforms in Political Parties
There are several reforms suggested to make political parties more democratic and transparent:
Internal Democracy:
- Political parties should promote democracy within their organizations, allowing members to voice their opinions and participate in decision-making.
Reduction of Money Power:
- The government should regulate election expenditures to prevent the use of excessive money power.
Transparency in Party Funding:
- Political parties should be required to maintain transparent financial records and disclose their sources of funding.
Laws to Regulate Political Parties:
- Existing laws need to be enforced strictly to prevent criminal elements from entering politics and to ensure parties function democratically.
Defection Law:
- The Anti-Defection Law (introduced in 1985) should be strengthened to prevent elected members from switching parties for personal gain.
Conclusion:
Political parties are essential for the working of a democracy, as they provide a way for people to be represented and help in the smooth functioning of the government. However, there is a need for reforms to make parties more democratic, transparent, and responsible in order to safeguard the spirit of democracy.