[2026] Short Notes Political Parties Class 10, For Quick Learning!

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

Three Components of a Party

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

🤔 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:

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:

Parties receiving these = “Recognised Political Parties”

Criteria for Recognition (EC Guidelines)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Electoral Journey

Bahujan Samaj Party ( B S P )

Geographic Base

• Main stronghold: Uttar Pradesh
• Substantial presence in:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Uttarakhand
• Delhi
• Punjab

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M)

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

National People’s Party

Geographic Base & Power

• Formed government in:

• 🟢 Meghalaya (home state)
  • Presence across:
• Many North-Eastern states
  → Focus: Regional development + inclusive growth

State parties

Two Types of State Parties

Political Impact

Challenges to political parties

Political parties must face and overcome these challenges
• Why?

✅ To remain effective instruments of democracy

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

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