Key Concepts
- 1What are the functions and challenges of political parties in a democracy?
Important Formulas & Facts
Functions: (1) Contest elections — candidates and campaigns. (2) Present policies and programmes. (3) Make laws in legislature. (4) Form government or opposition. (5) Shape public opinion — debates, media. (6) Provide access to government — welfare schemes, grievance redressal. Challenges: (1) Lack of internal democracy — dynastic succession. (2) Money and muscle power in elections. (3) No meaningful choice — similar policies. (4) Criminalization — candidates with criminal backgrounds. (5) Defections for power. Reforms needed: Anti-defection law (exists), state funding of elections, inner-party elections.
Must-Know Questions
Q1What is a political party? What are its main functions?
A political party is an organised group of people who share similar political views and seek to gain political power through elections to implement their policies. Functions: (1) Contest elections — select candidates and campaign for them. (2) Form government if they win majority, or play opposition role. (3) Make policies and programmes for public welfare. (4) Shape public opinion — raise issues through rallies, media. (5) Provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes. (6) Play role of opposition — criticise government, propose alternatives. (7) Represent diverse interests of different social groups.
Q2What are the conditions for a party to be recognised as a national party?
A party is recognised as a national party by the Election Commission if: (1) It secures at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha or State Assembly elections in at least 4 states, AND wins at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha. OR (2) It wins at least 2% of seats in Lok Sabha from at least 3 states.
Q3Name three national parties of India.
National parties (as recognised by Election Commission): (1) BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) — founded 1980, Hindutva ideology. (2) INC (Indian National Congress) — founded 1885, centrist, secular. (3) BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) — founded 1984, represents SC/ST/OBC/minorities. Others: CPI-M, NCP, AAP.
Q4What are the challenges faced by political parties in India?
Challenges: (1) Lack of internal democracy — leaders don't share power, no transparent selection of candidates. (2) Dynastic succession — leadership passes within families. (3) Money and muscle power in elections. (4) No meaningful policy differences between parties. (5) Criminalisation — candidates with criminal records get tickets. (6) Defection — elected members switch parties for power. (7) Voters often have no good choice — leads to voter apathy.
Q5Explain the multi-party system in India.
India has a multi-party system: many parties compete for power at national and state levels. This exists because India is a diverse country (linguistic, religious, regional, caste differences) — no single party can represent all interests. Advantages: better representation, coalition politics ensures multiple voices. Disadvantages: unstable governments, fragmented mandates, coalition pressures.
Practice Political Parties
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