Explore the role, functions, and importance of political parties in a democracy, including their structure, challenges, and reforms in the Indian context.
Political Parties - Quick Look Revision Guide
Your 1-page summary of the most exam-relevant takeaways from Democratic Politics.
This compact guide covers 20 must-know concepts from Political Parties aligned with Class X preparation for Social Science. Ideal for last-minute revision or daily review.
Complete study summary
Essential formulas, key terms, and important concepts for quick reference and revision.
Key Points
Define Political Party with an example.
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 programmes for society to promote collective good. Example: Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party.
List the three components of a political party.
The three components are the leaders, the active members, and the followers. Leaders make decisions, active members implement them, and followers support the party.
Explain the function of contesting elections.
Political parties contest elections by selecting and supporting candidates. They campaign to persuade voters to choose their candidates over others.
Describe how parties shape public opinion.
Parties raise and highlight issues, launch movements, and use media to influence public opinion. They help crystallize opinions on various issues.
What is a ruling party?
The ruling party is the political party that runs the government. It implements its policies and programmes after winning the elections.
Define opposition party.
Opposition parties are those that lose in the elections. They criticize the government for its failures and wrong policies, and mobilize opposition.
Why do we need political parties?
Political parties are necessary for representative democracies. They gather different views, present them to the government, and help in forming and running governments.
Explain one-party system.
In a one-party system, only one party is allowed to control and run the government. Example: China, where only the Communist Party is allowed to rule.
What is a two-party system?
In a two-party system, power usually changes between two main parties. Other parties may exist but have little chance of winning. Example: USA, UK.
Describe multiparty system.
In a multiparty system, several parties compete for power, and more than two have a chance to form government. Example: India.
What is an alliance or front?
An alliance or front is formed when several parties in a multiparty system join hands to contest elections and win power. Example: NDA, UPA in India.
List the six recognized national parties in India.
As of 2023, the six recognized national parties are BJP, INC, CPI(M), BSP, AAP, and NPP.
What are state parties?
State parties are those that have their units in various states but are recognized in only one state. They are also called regional parties.
Explain the challenge of lack of internal democracy.
Many parties concentrate power in a few leaders, do not hold internal elections, and do not maintain membership registers, leading to lack of democracy.
What is dynastic succession?
Dynastic succession refers to the tendency of top positions in parties being controlled by members of one family, disadvantaging ordinary workers.
Describe the role of money and muscle power.
Parties often use money and muscle power to win elections, nominating candidates who can raise funds or have criminal backgrounds.
What is the challenge of lack of meaningful choice?
Parties often do not offer significantly different choices to voters, as ideological differences among them have reduced.
Suggest a reform to regulate internal affairs of parties.
A law should be made to regulate internal affairs, making it compulsory for parties to maintain membership registers and hold internal elections.
Explain the concept of state funding of elections.
State funding involves the government giving parties money or resources to support election expenses, reducing reliance on private funds.
How can citizens reform political parties?
Citizens can pressure parties through petitions, publicity, and agitations. They can also join parties to bring about change from within.
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