Chapter 4 of the Democratic Politics Class 10 is very lengthy and confusing, with similar topics.
Therefore, preparing it for the exam needs short, to-the-point notes. And “Short Notes Political Parties Class 10” solve that purpose.
Also Read| Explanation to Political Parties
Why Do We Need Political Parties?
Main idea:
Political parties = most visible face of democracy
• For most citizens, democratic ≈ political parties
• Even remote/less-educated citizens know parties better than the Constitution
Visibility ≠ Popularity
• Parties are highly visible but not always trusted
• Common public view:
- Blame parties for democracy’s flaws
- See parties as sources of social & political division
- Leads to a key question:❓ Do we even need political parties?
Meaning of Political Party
Definition
• A group of people who come together to:
- Contest elections
- Hold power in government
• Agree on policies & programmes for society
• Goal: Promote the collective good
Why Parties Persuade
• Different views exist on “what is good for all.”
• Parties:
- Persuade people why their policies are better
- Seek popular support through elections
- Aim to implement policies by winning mandates
Why Parties Persuade
• Different views exist on “what is good for all.”
• Parties:
- Persuade people why their policies are better
- Seek popular support through elections
- Aim to implement policies by winning mandates
Parties Reflect Society
• Mirror fundamental political divisions in society
• Represent a part of society → involves partisanship
• A party is known by:
- Which part does it stand for
- Which policies does it supports
- Whose interests it upholds
Three Components of a Party
1️⃣ Leaders
Set vision, strategy & public face
2️⃣ Active Members
Organise, campaign & drive party work
3️⃣ Followers
Support, vote & amplify party message
Functions of Political Parties
Fill political offices + Exercise political power
1. Contest Elections
• Elections are fought mainly between party-nominated candidates
• Candidate selection methods:
- USA style: Party members/supporters choose
- India style: Top party leaders choose
• Trend: More countries adopting member-driven selection
2. Aggregate Opinions → Policies
• Citizens hold vast, varied views on society
• Parties group similar opinions → form clear policy directions
• Reduce the multitude of views into a few basic positions
• Ruling party’s line becomes the basis for government policies
3. Make Laws
• Laws formally debated/passed in the legislature
• But most legislators follow party direction
• Personal opinions take a backseat to party discipline
4. Form & Run Governments
• Big policy decisions taken by the political executive of parties
- Parties:
- Recruit leaders
- Train them
- Appoint ministers to run the government
5. Play Opposition Role
• Losing parties voice alternative views
• Criticise the government for:
- ❌ Policy failures
- ❌ Wrong decisions
• Mobilise public opposition to keep power accountable
Shape Public Opinion
• Raise & highlight key societal issues
• Leverage lakhs of members/activists nationwide
• Pressure groups often = party extensions in society
• Launch movements to resolve people’s problems
• Public opinions often crystallise along party lines
7. Provide Access to Government
• For citizens: Local party leader = easier contact than government officer
• Parties help people access:
- Government machinery
- Welfare schemes
• Parties stay responsive to public needs - Else: Risk rejection in the next election
Necessity of Political Parties
The 7 functions of parties = direct answer to “Why do we need them?”
But a deeper question remains:
❓ Why can’t modern democracies exist WITHOUT parties?
Thought Experiment: Democracy Without Parties
Imagine elections with only independent candidates:
❌ No one can promise major policy changes
❌ Government formed → but utility remains uncertain
❌ Representatives accountable to locality only
❌ No one is responsible for how the whole country is run
→ Result: Fragmented, unstable, directionless governance
Real-World Proof: Non-Party Panchayat Elections
• In many states, panchayat elections are formally non-party
• Yet, villages still split into factions
• Each faction puts up its own “panel” of candidates
→ This is exactly what parties do!
• Informal groups = de facto parties
Global Pattern
• Political parties exist in almost all countries:
- Big or small
- Old or new
- Developed or developing
• Universal presence = functional necessity, not accident
Historical Link: Parties + Representative Democracy
• Rise of parties = directly linked to the rise of representative democracies
• Large, complex societies need:
1️⃣ Agency to gather diverse views on issues
2️⃣ Mechanism to bring representatives together → form a responsible government
3️⃣ System to support the OR restrain the government
4️⃣ Process to make, justify, or oppose policies
✅ Political parties fulfil ALL these needs
How Many Parties Should We Have?
One-Party System
• Only one party is allowed to control the government
• Example: China (Communist Party only)
❌ Not democratic because:
- No free competition for power
- No fair chance for alternatives
→ Democratic systems must allow at least two parties
Two-Party System
- Power alternates between two main parties
- Other parties may exist → win few seats
- But only two have a serious chance to form a government
- Examples: USA, UK
- ✅ Pros: Stable governments, clear accountability
- ⚠️ Cons: May limit representation of diverse views
Multiparty System
- Several parties compete; 3+ have a real chance to win
- The government is often formed via coalitions/alliances
- Example: India
✅ Pros:
- Represents diverse interests & opinions
- Inclusive of regional, social, and ideological groups
⚠️ Cons:
- Can appear messy
- Risk of political instability
🤔 So, Which System Is Best?
Party systems aren’t chosen — they evolve over time
Shaped by:
- Nature of society & social/regional divisions
- History of politics
- Electoral system design
• Example: India’s multiparty system fits its huge diversity - Social + geographical complexity ≠ easily absorbed by 2–3 parties
National Parties
Federal democracies → Two types of parties:
State parties:
Present in only one federal unit
National parties:
Present in several/all units
In India, National parties have state units that follow the same policies, programmes & strategy decided at the national level
Election Commission & Party Recognition
All parties must register with the Election Commission (EC)
EC treats all equally → but offers special facilities to large/established parties:
● Unique election symbol
● Other administrative privileges
Parties receiving these = “Recognised Political Parties”
Criteria for Recognition (EC Guidelines)
🟡 State Party
• Secures ≥6% of total votes in State Legislative Assembly election
AND
• wins ≥2 seats in that Assembly
🔵 National Party
• Secures ≥6% of total votes in Lok Sabha elections
OR
Assembly elections in 4 States
• AND wins ≥4 seats in Lok Sabha
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
- Founded: 26 November 2012
- Origin: Emerged from the 2011 anti-corruption movement
Core Ideals:
- ✅ Accountability
- ✅ Clean administration
- ✅ Transparency
- ✅ Good governance
Electoral Journey
Delhi Breakthrough
Within 1 year of formation:
- Became the 2nd largest party in the Delhi Legislative Assembly
- Formed a government with INC support
Gujarat Expansion (2022)
- Emerged as the third front in Gujarat politics
- Signalled growth beyond traditional strongholds
Bahujan Samaj Party ( B S P )
Formation & Leadership
• Founded: 1984
• Founder-Leader: Kanshi Ram
• Core Purpose: Represent & secure power for Bahujan Samaj
Who Is “Bahujan Samaj”?
• Dalits
• Adivasis
• Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
• Religious minorities
→ United for social justice & political empowerment
Ideological Inspiration
Draws from the teachings of:
• Sahu Maharaj
• Mahatma Phule
• Periyar Ramaswami Naicker
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
→ Focus: Equality, dignity, anti-caste oppression
Core Mission
Secure interests & welfare of:
- Dalits
- Oppressed & marginalised communities
• Advocate for social transformation through political power
Geographic Base
• Main stronghold: Uttar Pradesh
• Substantial presence in:
- Madhya Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Uttarakhand
- Delhi
- Punjab
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Formation & Roots
• Founded: 1980
• Revived from: Bharatiya Jana Sangh (formed in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mukherjee)
• Historical link: Carries forward the ideological legacy of the Jana Sangh
Core Ideology
• Vision: Build a strong, modern India inspired by:
- India’s ancient culture & values
- Deendayal Upadhyaya’s ideas:
- Integral Humanism
- Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person)
• Cultural nationalism (‘Hindutva‘) = central to its view of nationhood
Key Policy Positions
• Jammu & Kashmir: Full territorial & political integration with India
• Uniform Civil Code: For all citizens, irrespective of religion
• Religious conversions: Supports ban on forced/conversion activities
Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M)
Formation & Ideology
• Founded: 1964
• Core Belief: Marxism-Leninism
• Supports:
- Socialism
- Secularism
- Democracy
• Opposes:- Imperialism
- Communalism
Democratic Approach
• Accepts democratic elections as a useful tool
• Goal: Use the electoral process to secure socio-economic justice in India
→ Believes in change through participation, not rejection of the system
Economic Stance
• Critical of new economic policies that allow:
- Free flow of foreign capital
- Free flow of foreign goods
→ Advocates for a self-reliant, equitable economic model
Indian National Congress INC
Formation & Legacy
• Founded: 1885 → One of the oldest parties in the world
• Popular name: Congress Party
• Historical note: Experienced many splits over its long history
• Post-Independence role: Played a dominant role in Indian politics at national & state levels for decades
Vision & Leadership
• Under Jawaharlal Nehru:
- Sought to build a modern, secular, democratic republic in India
• Ideological orientation: Centrist (neither rightist nor leftist)
• Core values:- Secularism
- Welfare of weaker sections & minorities
- Economic reforms with a human face
National People’s Party
Formation & Leadership
• Founded: July 2013
• Founder-Leader: P.A. Sangma
• Historic milestone:
Core Philosophy
• Believes in:
- Diversity of India
- Recognition that different regions face different developmental challenges
• Mission:- Education for all
- Employment for all
- Empowerment of all sections of society
Geographic Base & Power
• Formed government in:
- 🟢 Meghalaya (home state)
• Presence across: - Many North-Eastern states
→ Focus: Regional development + inclusive growth
State parties
Definition
• Classified by the Election Commission as ‘State parties’
• Commonly called “regional parties”
• But not necessarily regional in ideology or outlook
Two Types of State Parties
All-India Reach, Limited Success
• Have a national-level organisation with units in several states
• But succeeded only in some states
• Examples:
- 🟡 Samajwadi Party (SP)
- 🟡 Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
State-Identity Focused
• Conscious about specific State identity & issues
• Examples:
- Biju Janata Dal (BJD) – Odisha
- Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) – Sikkim
- Mizo National Front (MNF) – Mizoram
- Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) – Telangana
Political Impact
Coalition Era
• National parties compelled to ally with State parties
• Since 1996: Nearly every State party joined one or more national-level coalition governments
Federalism Boost
This alliance culture has:
- ✅ Strengthened federalism
- ✅ Deepened democracy in India
Challenges to political parties
Premise
• Political parties = crucial for democracy to function
• But parties = the most visible face of democracy
→ So: People naturally blame parties
for whatever goes wrong with democracy
Global Pattern of
Dissatisfaction
• Worldwide: People express
strong dissatisfaction with parties
• Criticism focuses on:
❌ Failure of parties to
perform their functions well
Political parties must face and overcome these challenges
• Why?
✅ To remain effective instruments of democracy
Challenge #1: Lack of Internal Democracy
Core Issue
• Global tendency: Power concentrated in one or few top leaders
•Parties often fail to practice democracy within their own structure
→ How can parties promote democracy outside, if not inside?
⚠️ Symptoms of Internal Undemocratic Practice
Weak Organisational Systems
❌ No membership registers maintained
❌ No regular organisational meetings held
❌ No timely internal elections conducted
Ordinary Members Marginalised
❌ Lack sufficient information about party functioning
❌ Lack of means or connections to influence decisions
❌ Voice and participation = limited or symbolic
Consequences
Power Centralisation
• Leaders assume greater power
to make decisions
• Decisions taken in the name of the party
by a few individuals
Culture of Personal
Loyalty
• Dissenters find it difficult to continue
at the party
• Personal loyalty to leader > Loyalty to party principles/policies
→ Shift from ideological commitment to leader-centric allegiance
Challenge #2: Dynastic Succession
Link to First Challenge
• Dynastic succession = directly related to lack of internal democracy
• When parties lack open, transparent procedures → ordinary workers have few pathways to rise
⚠️ How Dynasty Takes Root
Closed Entry to Leadership
• ❌ No merit-based promotion system
• ❌ Ordinary members = stuck at bottom
• ✅ Leaders hold an unfair advantage to favour:
- Close associates
- Family members
Family Control of Top Posts
• In many parties: Top positions are always held by one family
• Creates hereditary leadership instead of elected/merit-based
Why This Is Problematic
Unfair to Party Members
• Hardworking, capable members = denied opportunity
• Merit takes a backseat to birthright or proximity
Bad for Democracy
• People with inadequate experience or low popular support occupy power
• Weakens the quality of leadership & public trust
Global Reality
• Not just an India-specific issue
• Present in some measure worldwide
• Even observed in older, established democracies
Challenge #3: Money & Muscle Power
Core Issue
• Growing role of money and muscle power in parties
• Especially prominent during elections
• Parties focused only on winning → tend to use short-cuts
⚠️ How Money Dominates
Candidate Selection
• Parties nominate candidates who:
- 💰 Have lots of money
- 💰 Can raise lots of money
→ Merit, integrity, public service = take a backseat
Influence of Funders
• Rich individuals & big companies that fund parties:
- 🎛️ Gain influence over policies & decisions
- 🗣️ Shape party agenda to serve private interests
→ Risk: Policy captured by wealth, not a public good
💪 Muscle Power & Criminalisation
Dark Alliance
• In some cases, Parties support criminals who can win elections
• Why?
- 💪 Muscle power = perceived electoral advantage
- 🗳️ “Winnability” prioritised over character or competence
Global Concern
• Democrats worldwide worried about:
- 📈 Increasing role of rich people in politics
- 🏢 Growing influence of big corporations
→ Threat to fair representation & democratic integrity
Challenge #4: Lack of Meaningful Choice
Core Issue
• Parties often fail to offer meaningful choices to voters
• For real choice: Parties must be significantly different in ideology & policy
→ But this difference is declining worldwide
Global Trend: Ideological Convergence
Example: Britain
• Labour Party vs Conservative Party:
- ✅ Agree on fundamental aspects
- ❌ Differ only in the details of policy framing or implementation
→ Minimal ideological gap
India’s Reality
• Major parties: Differences on economic policies have reduced
• Result:
- ❌ Voters wanting really different policies = no option available
Leadership Shuffle = Limited Choice
Same Faces, Different Labels
• The same set of leaders keeps shifting from one party to another
• Voters cannot elect truly different leaders
→ Personality over principle dominates politics
Why This Matters
• Democracy thrives on genuine alternatives
• When parties converge:
- ❌ Voter choice becomes symbolic, not substantive
- ❌ Public disillusionment increases
- ❌ Policy innovation stagnates
How can parties be reformed?
1. Anti-Defection Law (Constitutional Amendment)
Purpose
• Prevent elected MLAs and MPs from changing parties after the election
• Why needed?
- Many representatives defected to:
- Become ministers
- Receive cash rewards
→ Undermined electoral mandate & party stability
⚖️ Legal Provision
• Law mandates:
- If MLA/MP voluntarily gives up party membership OR
- Votes against party whip without permission
→ They face disqualification from the legislature
2. Internal Party Democracy Measures
Election Commission Requirements
• Political parties must:
✅ Hold internal elections regularly
✅ File income tax returns annually
⚠️ Reality Check
• These requirements often become mere formality
❓ Unclear if this has led to:
- Greater transparency
- Real internal democracy
- Empowerment of ordinary members
3. Law to Regulate Internal Party Affairs
Organisational Transparency
• ✅ Maintain register of members
- Track membership, participation, rights
• ✅ Follow its own constitution - No arbitrary rule changes by leadership
Independent Dispute Resolution
• ✅ Independent authority to act as judge in:
- Party disputes
- Internal conflicts
Hold open elections for the highest posts
4. Women’s Quota in Political Parties
Mandatory: ~one-third of tickets to women candidates
• Quota for women in party decision-making bodies
5. State Funding of Elections
• Government should fund elections – give parties money for election expenses
• Support in kind: petrol, paper, telephone, etc.
• Or support in cash: based on votes secured
Two More Ways to Reform Parties
1️⃣ Public Pressure
• People can put pressure on parties through:
- Petitions, publicity, agitations
• Ordinary citizens, pressure groups, movements, and media can play an important role
• If parties fear losing public support, they become more serious about reforms
2️⃣ Join Parties to Change Them
• Political parties can improve if those who want reform join them
• Quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation
• Difficult to reform politics if citizens only criticise from the outside
• Problem of bad politics → solved by more and better politics
