Notes Class 9 Civics Chapter 4 Political Parties

Notes For All Chapters Civics Class 10 CBSE

Notes For All Chapters Civics Class 10 CBSE

1. Introduction

• Political parties are one of the most visible institutions of democracy.
• For ordinary citizens, democracy is almost equal to political parties.
• They are criticized for failures but are also essential for the functioning of democracy.
• Two key questions:
  1. Why do we need political parties?
  2. How many parties should a democracy have?

2. Meaning of Political Party

• A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government.
• They agree on policies and programmes for the collective good.
• Parties reflect political divisions in society → involve partisanship.
• Three components of a party:
  1. Leaders
  2. Active members
  3. Followers

3. Functions of Political Parties

Political parties perform key functions in a democracy:

1. Contest elections – Put up candidates.

• In some countries (e.g., USA) → members choose candidates.
• In India → top leaders usually select candidates.

2. Offer policies & programmes – Provide choices to voters by reducing many opinions into a few basic ones.

3. Make laws – Laws are passed in legislatures where party members follow directions of party leadership.

4. Form & run governments – Big policy decisions are taken by leaders from political parties.

5. Play the role of opposition – Criticise government policies, voice alternative views, mobilise people.

6. Shape public opinion – Raise issues, launch movements, spread awareness.

7. Provide access to government – Help ordinary citizens connect with government schemes more easily than officers.

Necessity of Parties: Without parties, democracy cannot function. Elections would have only independent candidates, making stable government impossible.

4. Types of Party Systems

1. One-Party System – Only one party is allowed (e.g., China’s Communist Party). Not democratic.
2. Two-Party System – Power alternates between two main parties (e.g., USA, UK).
3. Multi-Party System – Several parties compete; government formed by alliances/coalitions (e.g., India).

• • Example alliances: NDA, UPA, Left Front.

Party system in a country depends on social divisions, history, elections – not a matter of choice.

5. National and State Parties

• Democracies with federal systems have two kinds: National Parties and State Parties.
• Recognition by Election Commission:
  • A State Party → 6% votes + 2 seats in Legislative Assembly.
  • A National Party → 6% votes in 4 states + 4 Lok Sabha seats.

Recognised National Parties (as of 2023):

1. Indian National Congress (INC) – Founded 1885, secular, centrist, welfare-oriented, led UPA.
2. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Founded 1980, ideology of Hindutva, integral humanism, NDA leader.
3. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) – Founded 1984 (Kanshi Ram), represents Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, minorities.
4. Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M) – Founded 1964, Marxism-Leninism, socialist, secular, strong in Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura.
5. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) – Founded 2012, emerged from anti-corruption movement, formed governments in Delhi & Punjab.
6. National People’s Party (NPP) – Founded 2013 (P.A. Sangma), first North-East based national party, focuses on diversity, education, employment.

State/Regional Parties

• Examples: Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Biju Janata Dal, Mizo National Front, TRS, etc.
• Important role in coalitions, strengthens federalism and democracy.

6. Challenges to Political Parties

Four major challenges:

1. Lack of internal democracy – Power concentrated in few leaders, no regular elections, lack of transparency.
2. Dynastic succession – Leadership passes within families, unfair to ordinary members.
3. Role of money & muscle power – Rich candidates, influence of companies, sometimes support to criminals.
4. Lack of meaningful choice – Parties often similar in policies, leaders shifting parties reduces real alternatives.

7. Reforms in Political Parties

Efforts and suggestions for reform:

Legal and Institutional Reforms

1. Anti-Defection Law (1985) – MLAs/MPs lose seat if they change parties.
2. Supreme Court ruling – Candidates must file affidavits with property & criminal records.
3. Election Commission orders – Parties must hold internal elections and file income tax returns.

Suggested Reforms

• Law to regulate internal party affairs (membership register, party constitution, open elections).
• 1/3rd tickets for women candidates + quota in decision-making bodies.
• State funding of elections (cash or in-kind support).

Other Ways

• Public pressure via petitions, media, movements.
• Citizens joining parties to bring change from within.