Class 10 Social Science Notes — Chapter 15: Political Parties
Functions, party systems, national vs state parties, and challenges to political parties.
Detailed NCERT notes
- Political party = group of people organised to contest elections and hold power; members share broad ideologies, policies and goals.
- Functions: contest elections; formulate policies and programmes; make laws; form and run governments; play opposition; shape public opinion; provide access to government machinery and welfare.
- Party systems:
- One-party — only one party allowed (China).
- Two-party — power alternates between two major parties (USA, UK).
- Multi-party — many parties compete (India, France, Italy).
- India has a multi-party system due to social and geographic diversity, which is often necessary but leads to unstable coalitions.
- National party (recognition by Election Commission): must secure at least 6% of valid votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four states AND win at least 4 Lok Sabha seats; or win 2% of Lok Sabha seats from three states.
- Major national parties: INC (Congress), BJP, BSP, CPI, CPI(M), AAP, NCP, TMC (some have moved in and out of national status).
- State/regional parties: DMK, AIADMK, SP, JD(U), RJD, TDP, YSRCP, TRS/BRS, SAD, JMM, Shiv Sena, NC, AIUDF and many others; strengthen federal politics.
- Challenges to political parties:
- Lack of internal democracy — decisions concentrated in a few leaders; no regular internal elections.
- Dynastic succession — party leadership passing within families.
- Money and muscle power — rising cost of elections; criminalisation.
- Lack of meaningful choice — parties converging on policies.
- Reforms:
- Anti-defection law (52nd amendment, 1985) — MLAs/MPs disqualified if they defect.
- RTI-like disclosure of assets, criminal cases (compulsory affidavit).
- State funding of elections, internal democracy, women reservation (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 — reference).
Formulas & key results
- National party threshold: 6% votes in 4 states + 4 LS seats; OR 2% LS seats from 3 states
Mind map
- Functions → one-party/two-party/multi-party
- National vs state parties
- Challenges → reforms (anti-defection, RTI, funding)
Tricks & shortcuts
- Anti-defection = 52nd amendment (1985).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing national vs recognised state party thresholds.
- Thinking multi-party = weak democracy — it can reflect diversity.
Competency-based questions & answers
- Q. How can political parties be reformed?A. Enforce internal democracy, mandatory disclosures of assets and criminal cases, state funding of elections, women reservation, and stricter anti-defection rules.
- Q. Why does India have a multi-party system?A. Vast social, linguistic, regional and religious diversity means no single party can accommodate every group — regional parties emerge to represent specific interests.