- Political parties act as a link between the people and the government.
- Political parties contest elections to gain political power.
- Political parties present different policies and programmes to the voters.
- Political parties play an important role in making laws through the legislature.
- Political parties form and run governments after winning elections.
- Opposition parties criticise the government and hold it accountable.
- Political parties shape public opinion and represent the interests of the people.
Definitions [6]
Definition: Alliance/Front
When several parties in a multi-party system join hands for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power, it is called an alliance or a front.
Definition: Multiparty System
If several parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others, it is called a multiparty system.
Definition: National Party
A national party is a political party that operates across the entire country and follows common policies, programmes, and strategies at the national level.
Definition: Political Party
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
Definition: Recognised Political Party
A recognised political party is a party that is officially acknowledged by the Election Commission of India after fulfilling specific criteria related to votes and seats in elections.
Definition: State Party
A state party is a political party that has influence mainly in one or a few states and represents regional interests.
Key Points
Key Points: Number of Political Parties
- India has 750+ registered parties, but only a few are effective in elections.
- A one-party system is not democratic due to a lack of competition.
- A two-party system has two main parties competing for power.
- India follows a multi-party system with coalition governments.
- No single party system suits all countries or situations.
Key Points: Popular Participation in Political Parties
- Political parties are often criticised, but people still participate actively in them.
- In South Asia, political parties are among the least trusted institutions, including in India.
- Despite low trust, party membership in India is high compared to many developed countries.
- Over the last 30 years, party membership and identification in India have steadily increased.
- More people in India now feel close to a political party than earlier, showing rising participation.
Key Points: Need for Political Parties
Key Points: State Parties
- State parties are recognised by the Election Commission and are also called regional parties.
- Some state parties have national organisations but succeed mainly in a few states.
- Many state parties strongly represent regional or state identity.
- Their number and influence have increased over the last three decades.
- State parties are important in coalition governments and strengthen federalism in India.
Key Points: Challenges to Political Parties
- Political parties often lack internal democracy, as power is concentrated in a few leaders.
- Ordinary party members have little say in decision-making and internal elections are rare.
- Dynastic succession is common, where leadership passes to family members.
- Parties depend heavily on money and muscle power, especially during elections.
- Wealthy individuals and big companies influence party decisions through funding.
- Parties often fail to offer meaningful choices because their policies are very similar.
- Frequent party-switching by leaders reduces trust and weakens democratic accountability.
Key Points: National Parties
- In India’s federal system, political parties are classified as national parties and state parties.
- A party is recognised as a national party if it fulfils the Election Commission’s criteria, such as securing 6% votes in 4 states and 4 Lok Sabha seats.
- All political parties must be registered with the Election Commission of India.
- Recognised parties receive special facilities like a reserved election symbol.
- As of 2023, India has 6 recognised national parties.
- Major national parties include INC, BJP, CPI(M), BSP, AAP, and NPP.
- National parties work in many states with common leadership and policies and play a key role in forming governments and national policies.
Key Points: Reforms in Political Parties
- Political parties need reforms to overcome problems like a lack of internal democracy and corruption.
- The Constitution was amended to prevent defection, so MPs and MLAs lose their seat if they change parties.
- The Supreme Court made it compulsory for candidates to file affidavits about assets and criminal cases.
- The Election Commission requires parties to hold organisational elections and file income tax returns.
- Laws should regulate internal party functioning, including membership records and internal elections.
- Political parties should give at least one-third of election tickets and leadership positions to women.
- Public pressure, active participation by citizens, and media awareness can help force parties to reform.
Important Questions [17]
- Explain the main functions of political parties.
- Explain, how the rise of political parties are directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies.
- Assertion (A): Political Parties are important in the functioning of democracy. Reason (R): The media plays an important role in the making of political Parties.
- Assertion (A): Modern democracy cannot function without political parties. Reason (R): Elected representatives will be accountable only to their constituencies, not towards the country.
- How do Political Parties influence public opinion? Examine.
- Analyze the need to Political Parties in the Democracy.
- Examine the role of Political Parties in a democratic country.
- Differentiate between ruling and opposition parties.
- Explain the merits of Multi Party System.
- How is one-party system different from two-party system? Explain with examples.
- Which one of the following countries has two party system?
- Examine any two features of Bi-Party system.
- Which one of the following countries has 'one party system'?
- Explain the role of Election Commission regarding recognition of Political Parties in India.
- On the given outline Political Map of India, identify the place marked as 'A' with the help of following information and write its correct name on the line marked near it:
- Explain the role of Regional Parties in Indian democracy.
- Examine any five major challenges faced by the political parties in India.
