Class 10 : Social Science (In English) – Lesson 16. Political Parties

EXPLANATION & SUMMARY

🔵 Introduction
🌿 Political parties are the backbone of democracy.
⚡ A political party is an organised group of people with similar policies and programmes who come together to contest elections and form government.
💡 They represent public opinion, connect citizens to government, and provide alternative choices.
🏛️ Without parties, modern democracies cannot function effectively.

🟢 What is a Political Party?
🌍 Definition: A political party is a group of people who agree on policies to promote collective good and seek to implement them by winning elections.
⚡ Each party has its own ideology and vision for society.
💡 Example: In India, parties like the Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party.
✔️ Parties differ from interest groups as they seek to capture political power.

🔴 Functions of Political Parties
Contest Elections
🌿 Parties nominate candidates for elections.
⚡ Provide symbols and party tickets to contest.
💡 Example: In India, candidates contest under party symbols like hand, lotus, etc.

Form and Run Government
🏛️ Party with majority forms government.
⚡ They make laws and policies for the country.
💡 Example: Ruling party vs. Opposition party.

Shape Public Opinion
🌿 Parties raise and debate issues through campaigns.
⚡ Media, rallies, and speeches influence public thinking.

Provide Access to Government Machinery
💡 Citizens can approach local party leaders for help.
⚡ Parties act as a link between people and government.

Role of Opposition
🌿 Criticise policies of ruling party.
⚡ Present alternative programmes.
💡 Safeguard against misuse of power.

🟡 Types of Party Systems

One-Party System
🌍 Only one party controls government.
💡 Example: China (Communist Party).
❌ Not democratic as voters have no real choice.

Two-Party System
🌿 Power usually shifts between two main parties.
⚡ Example: USA (Democrats & Republicans).
💡 Provides stability but less choice.

Multi-Party System
🌍 Many parties contest elections and share power.
⚡ India follows this system.
✔️ Ensures representation of diversity but sometimes causes instability.

🔵 National and Regional Parties in India
National Parties:
🌿 Recognised across the country.
⚡ Must secure at least 6% votes in 4 or more states and 2% seats in Lok Sabha.
💡 Examples: Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

State/Regional Parties:
🌍 Recognised in specific states.
⚡ Play vital role in federal politics.
💡 Examples: DMK (Tamil Nadu), Shiv Sena (Maharashtra), AAP (Delhi & Punjab).

🟢 Challenges to Political Parties
Dynastic Succession
🌿 Leadership passed within families.
⚡ Limits internal democracy.

Money and Muscle Power
💡 Parties depend on rich candidates.
⚡ Criminalisation of politics occurs.

Lack of Internal Democracy
🌿 Few leaders control decision-making.
⚡ Ordinary members have little say.

Influence of Caste and Religion
💡 Parties often appeal to caste/religion for votes.

🔴 Reform Measures for Political Parties
🏛️ Compulsory Declaration: Candidates must declare assets, criminal records, and liabilities.
🌿 Reservation for Women: Proposal to reserve 1/3rd seats for women in Parliament and Assemblies.
⚡ State Funding of Elections: Reduce dependence on big donations.
💡 Strengthening Election Commission: Ensure free and fair elections.
✔️ Encourage transparency in party accounts and decisions.

🟡 Importance of Political Parties in Democracy
🌍 Give citizens meaningful choices in elections.
⚡ Represent diverse interests of society.
💡 Ensure accountability of government.
✔️ Provide stability through ruling and opposition roles.
🧠 Without parties, democracy would become chaotic and unstable.

📝 Summary
🌿 Political parties = organised groups seeking power through elections.
⚡ Functions: contest elections, form government, shape public opinion, role of opposition.
🌍 Types: one-party, two-party, multi-party system.
🏛️ India = multi-party democracy with national and regional parties.
💡 Challenges: dynastic succession, money power, lack of internal democracy.
✔️ Reforms: transparency, state funding, more women’s representation.

📝 Quick Recap
🔵 Parties are essential links between people and government.
🟢 India has multi-party system with both national and regional parties.
🔴 Parties face challenges of dynasty, corruption, and lack of democracy.
🟡 Reforms needed to make them more accountable.

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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK

🔵 Question 1: State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Contest elections by nominating candidates.
⚡ Form and run government after winning majority.
💡 Make laws and frame policies for governance.
🌍 Provide access to government machinery for citizens.
✔️ Play the role of opposition by checking the ruling party.
🧠 Shape public opinion through campaigns and debates.

🔵 Question 2: What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
🟢 Answer:
⚡ Dynastic succession: Leadership passes within families.
🌿 Money and muscle power: Rich and criminal elements dominate.
💡 Lack of internal democracy: Few leaders control decisions.
🌍 Influence of caste and religion: Vote bank politics affects fairness.

🔵 Question 3: Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Enforce internal democracy with fair elections inside parties.
⚡ Compulsory declaration of criminal records and assets by candidates.
💡 State funding of elections to reduce dependence on big donors.
✔️ Reservation of seats for women in Parliament and Assemblies.
🏛️ Strengthen Election Commission to regulate party practices.

🔵 Question 4: What is a political party?
🟢 Answer:
🌍 A political party is an organised group of people with similar ideas, policies, and ideology.
⚡ They contest elections to win power and form government.
💡 Example: Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party.

🔵 Question 5: What are the characteristics of a political party?
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Organisation of people with shared ideology.
⚡ Aim to capture political power through elections.
💡 Have a clear programme and symbol.
✔️ Represent interests of citizens and form public opinion.

🔵 Question 6: A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a _.
🟢 Answer: Political Party.

🔵 Question 7: Match List I with List II.
Congress Party → (C) United Progressive Alliance
Bharatiya Janata Party → (A) National Democratic Alliance
Communist Party of India (Marxist) → (D) Left Front
Telugu Desam Party → (B) State party
🟢 Answer: (d) 1-C, 2-A, 3-D, 4-B.

🔵 Question 8: Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
🟡 Options:
(A) Kanshi Ram
(B) Sahu Maharaj
(C) B.R. Ambedkar
(D) Jotiba Phule
🟢 Answer: (A) Kanshi Ram

🔵 Question 9: What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
🟡 Options:
(A) Bahujan Samaj
(B) Revolutionary democracy
(C) Integral humanism
(D) Modernity
🟢 Answer: (C) Integral humanism

🔵 Question 10: Consider the following statements on parties:
A. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
B. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
C. Parties are not necessary to run governments.
Which are correct?
🟢 Answer: (b) A and B

🔵 Question 11 (Passage-based): Read the passage on Muhammad Yunus and answer:
(i) Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party?
🟢 Answer: Yes, because he wanted to promote good governance, fight corruption, and bring fresh democratic culture.

(ii) Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by people?
🟢 Answer: Some fears were valid as politics is complex and often misused, but change requires new voices like Yunus’s.

(iii) How do you want this new party organised to be different from others?
🟢 Answer: It should ensure internal democracy, transparency, women’s representation, and focus on development.

(iv) If you were the one to begin this political party, how would you defend it?
🟢 Answer: I would defend it as a step towards clean politics, empowering citizens, and breaking dominance of traditional corrupt parties.

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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS

🔵 Question 1: Which of the following is NOT a function of political parties?
🟡 Options:
(A) Contesting elections
(B) Forming government
(C) Making laws
(D) Issuing currency notes
🟢 Answer: (D) Issuing currency notes

🔵 Question 2: Which of these is a national party in India?
🟡 Options:
(A) DMK
(B) INC
(C) Shiv Sena
(D) AAP (till 2022, state party only)
🟢 Answer: (B) INC

🔵 Question 3: The guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party is:
🟡 Options:
(A) Modernity
(B) Integral Humanism
(C) Revolutionary Democracy
(D) Socialism
🟢 Answer: (B) Integral Humanism

🔵 Question 4: Who founded the Bahujan Samaj Party?
🟡 Options:
(A) Kanshi Ram
(B) Sahu Maharaj
(C) B.R. Ambedkar
(D) Jyotiba Phule
🟢 Answer: (A) Kanshi Ram

🔵 Question 5: Which of the following alliances is led by the Indian National Congress?
🟡 Options:
(A) United Progressive Alliance
(B) National Democratic Alliance
(C) Left Front
(D) None of these
🟢 Answer: (A) United Progressive Alliance

🔵 Question 6: Political parties act as a link between:
🟡 Options:
(A) People and Judiciary
(B) People and Government
(C) Government and Bureaucracy
(D) Media and Citizens
🟢 Answer: (B) People and Government

🔵 Question 7: Which one is a major challenge faced by political parties?
🟡 Options:
(A) Secularism
(B) Federalism
(C) Dynastic succession
(D) Independence of judiciary
🟢 Answer: (C) Dynastic succession

🔵 Question 8: A political party recognised only in one state is called:
🟡 Options:
(A) National Party
(B) State Party
(C) Regional Party
(D) Both B and C
🟢 Answer: (D) Both B and C

🔵 Question 9: Which country follows a one-party system?
🟡 Options:
(A) USA
(B) China
(C) India
(D) UK
🟢 Answer: (B) China

🔵 Question 10: Which party system is followed in India?
🟡 Options:
(A) One-Party
(B) Two-Party
(C) Multi-Party
(D) None of these
🟢 Answer: (C) Multi-Party

🔵 Question 11: Which among the following is NOT a feature of political parties?
🟡 Options:
(A) Organisation
(B) Common ideology
(C) Contesting elections
(D) Independence from people’s opinion
🟢 Answer: (D) Independence from people’s opinion

🔵 Question 12: Which body regulates the recognition of political parties in India?
🟡 Options:
(A) Supreme Court
(B) Parliament
(C) Election Commission of India
(D) President
🟢 Answer: (C) Election Commission of India

🔵 Question 13: Which of the following statements about parties is correct?
🟡 Options:
(A) Parties are unnecessary for democracy
(B) Parties are needed for representative democracy
(C) Parties always weaken democracy
(D) Parties only spread communalism
🟢 Answer: (B) Parties are needed for representative democracy

🔵 Question 14: Which of these is an example of a Leftist party?
🟡 Options:
(A) CPI(M)
(B) BJP
(C) BSP
(D) INC
🟢 Answer: (A) CPI(M)

🔵 Question 15: Which of the following is a function of opposition parties?
🟡 Options:
(A) Passing all laws blindly
(B) Supporting the ruling party always
(C) Criticising government policies
(D) Avoiding debates in Parliament
🟢 Answer: (C) Criticising government policies

🔵 Question 16: In India, which Commission recognises national and state parties?
🟡 Options:
(A) Finance Commission
(B) Planning Commission
(C) Election Commission
(D) Law Commission
🟢 Answer: (C) Election Commission

🔵 Question 17: Which is a challenge faced by parties in India?
🟡 Options:
(A) Lack of internal democracy
(B) Gender equality in politics
(C) Complete transparency
(D) Easy public trust
🟢 Answer: (A) Lack of internal democracy

🔵 Question 18: Which of the following is NOT a reform suggested for political parties?
🟡 Options:
(A) Declaring assets of candidates
(B) Reservation for women
(C) State funding of elections
(D) Banning all opposition parties
🟢 Answer: (D) Banning all opposition parties

🔵 Question 19: Which is true about state parties?
🟡 Options:
(A) They only contest local elections
(B) They often influence national politics by coalition
(C) They are banned in Parliament
(D) They have no role in federal system
🟢 Answer: (B) They often influence national politics by coalition

🔵 Question 20: State any two functions of political parties.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Contest elections by nominating candidates.
⚡ Form and run government after winning majority.

🔵 Question 21: Mention any two challenges faced by political parties.
🟢 Answer:
⚡ Dynastic succession limits fair competition.
🌿 Money and muscle power influence candidate selection.

🔵 Question 22: State two ways political parties shape public opinion.
🟢 Answer:
🌍 Organise rallies, campaigns, and media outreach.
💡 Raise issues of public concern in debates.

🔵 Question 23: Which body recognises political parties in India? Name one of its functions.
🟢 Answer:
⚡ Election Commission of India.
✔️ It recognises parties as state or national parties based on performance.

SECTION C — Short Answer (3 marks each; ~60 words)
🔵 Question 24: Suggest three reforms to strengthen political parties in India.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Ensure internal democracy by regular party elections.
⚡ Compulsory declaration of assets and criminal records by candidates.
💡 State funding of elections to reduce dependence on wealthy donors.

🔵 Question 25: Why are opposition parties important in a democracy?
🟢 Answer:
🌍 Criticise policies of the ruling party.
💡 Present alternative policies and programmes.
⚡ Prevent misuse of power by ensuring accountability.

🔵 Question 26: How do political parties provide access to government machinery for common people?
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Citizens approach local leaders for help in grievances.
⚡ Leaders forward complaints to higher authorities.
💡 This connects people’s needs to government decisions.

🔵 Question 27: Why do we say political parties are a “necessary condition” for democracy?
🟢 Answer:
🌍 They provide choices to voters.
⚡ Organise government formation.
💡 Shape policies and act as opposition — without them, democracy becomes unstable.

🔵 Question 28: Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of multi-party system.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Advantage: Represents diversity and regional interests.
⚡ Disadvantage: Can cause political instability due to frequent coalition changes.

SECTION D — Long Answer (5 marks each; ~120 words)
🔵 Question 29: Explain the role of political parties in India’s democracy.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Contest elections and nominate candidates.
⚡ Form and run government to implement policies.
💡 Shape public opinion through debates and campaigns.
✔️ Provide access to government machinery for citizens.
🌍 Act as opposition, ensuring accountability of ruling party.
👉 Thus, they are essential pillars of democratic functioning.

🔵 Question 30: Discuss four major challenges faced by political parties in India.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Lack of internal democracy: Few leaders dominate decisions.
⚡ Dynastic succession: Leadership passes within families.
💡 Money and muscle power: Wealthy and criminal candidates dominate elections.
🌍 Caste and religion-based politics: Leads to division and vote bank politics.
👉 These weaken democratic credibility of parties.

🔵 Question 31: What reforms have been suggested to make political parties more accountable?
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Legal provision for internal elections within parties.
⚡ Compulsory declaration of property and liabilities by candidates.
💡 State funding of elections to reduce big donations.
✔️ At least one-third reservation of seats for women.
🌍 Stricter powers to Election Commission for regulation.

🔵 Question 32: Compare one-party, two-party, and multi-party systems with examples.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 One-party system: Only one party rules (China). ❌ Not democratic.
⚡ Two-party system: Power shifts between two main parties (USA, UK). ✔️ Stable but limited choice.
💡 Multi-party system: Many parties contest (India). ✔️ Represents diversity but can be unstable.

SECTION E — Case/Source-Based (4 marks each; 1+1+2)
🔵 Question 33 (Case 1):
“A party is accused of giving tickets only to relatives of top leaders.”
(i) Which challenge is this? (1)
(ii) How does it harm democracy? (1)
(iii) Suggest one reform. (2)
🟢 Answer:
(i) Dynastic succession.
(ii) Reduces fair competition and discourages ordinary members.
(iii) Internal party elections and stricter candidate selection norms.

🔵 Question 34 (Case 2):
“A political party spends crores in elections funded by rich businessmen.”
(i) Which challenge is this? (1)
(ii) How does it affect democracy? (1)
(iii) Suggest one solution. (2)
🟢 Answer:
(i) Money power.
(ii) Poor candidates cannot compete; policy may favour donors.
(iii) State funding of elections and spending limits.

🔵 Question 35 (Case 3):
“In a coalition government, regional parties play a big role in decision-making.”
(i) Which party system is this? (1)
(ii) One advantage? (1)
(iii) One disadvantage? (2)
🟢 Answer:
(i) Multi-party system.
(ii) Represents diverse regional voices.
(iii) May cause instability due to frequent breakdown of coalitions.

SECTION F — Map/Practical Skill (5 marks)
🔵 Question 36 (a): On a political map of India, mark the headquarters of two major national parties.
🟢 Answer:
INC → New Delhi.
BJP → New Delhi.

🔵 Question 36 (b): Name two regional parties and their states.
🟢 Answer:
DMK → Tamil Nadu.
BJD → Odisha.
For Visually Impaired Candidates:
(i) Both INC and BJP have headquarters in New Delhi.
(ii) DMK is a state party of Tamil Nadu, and BJD of Odisha.

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MISCONCEPTIONS “ALERTS”

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