Chapter 2. Political Parties. Important Terms and Concepts: RGT Classes, Thane-X Political Science

RGT CLASSES, THANE- X POLITICAL SCIENCE
Chapter 2. Political Parties.
Important Terms and Concepts
1. Political Parties. A “political party" is a political association or a voluntary group of people

who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on
some policies and programs.
2. Election commission. It is an independent multi member body which is constituted for the
superintendence, directions, and conduct of election.
3. Partisan. A person who is strongly committed to a party, group or a faction. Partnership is

marked by a tendency to take a side and inability to take a balanced view on an issue.
4. National Parties. Parties that are present in only one of the federal units and countrywide
parties known as national parties. These parties has their units in various states.
5. State or regional parties. The parties that are present in several or all units (states) of the
federation are known as the state or regional parties.
6. Recognized Political Parties. The parties which get recognition by the Election Commission,
given election symbol, privileges and some other special election facilities are known as the
recognized political parties.
7. Leftist Party. Parties which are radical, ideological and conservatives in nature are known as
Leftist Parties.
8. Rightist Parties. Parties which want a status quo and are conservative is known as the Rightist
Parties.
9. Opposition. The Political party or group of parties that form part of a legislature but are not in
the government. They checks the activities of the government.
10. Ruling Party. Political Party that runs the government.
List of Regional Parties with their regions/states.
Regional Parties Areas of Influence
 Kerala Congress  Kerala

 People’s Democratic Party  Jammu and Kashmir
 National Conference  Jammu and Kashmir
 Asom Gana Parishad  Assam
 Telugu Desam Party  Andhra Pradesh
 Dravida Munnetra Kazagam  Tamil Nadu

 All India Anna Dravida Munnetra  Tamil Nadu
Kazagam  Punjab
 Akali Dal  Maharashtra
 Shiv Sena  Tamil Nadu
 Tamil Manila Congress  Orissa
 Biju Janata Dal  Bihar
 Rashtriya Janata Dal  West Bengal
 Trinamool Congress  Haryana
 Haryana Vikas Parishad
Multiple Choice Questions.
 Political Parties are allotted symbols by........ (CBSE CCE 2012)

 The Government of India
 The Constitution of India
 The party Leaders
 The Election Commission
2. A recognized political party is one that. (CBSE CCE 2012)
(a) Is registered with election commission of India.

(b) Is given a unique election symbol.
(c) Gets some other facilities recognized by the election commission.
(d) All of these.
3. Under whose leadership was Bahujan Samaj Party formed? (CBSE CCE 2012)
(a) Mayavati
(b) Kashi Ram
(c) Ambedkar
(d) Jagjivan Ram
4. Which one of the following is the criteria to recognize as a National Political Party in India? (CBSE
CCE)
(a) A party that secure at least 6% vote in Lok Sabha elections and at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha.
(b) 6% votes in assembly election in four states.
(c) 6% votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly election in four states and 4 seats in Lok Sabha.
(d) All of the above criteria are correct.
5. Which one of the following is considered the best form of government? (Delhi 2012)
(a) Democracy
(b) Dictatorship
(c) Monarchy
(d) Military Rule
6. Which one of the following is not the quality of democracy? (Delhi 2012)
(a) It promotes equality among citizens
(b) It takes quick decisions
(c) It improves the quality of decision making
(d) It enhances the dignity of the individual
7. In which one of the following states does ‘Biju Janata Dal’ exist as a regional political party? (AI
2012)
(a) Karnataka
(b) Andhra Pradesh
(c) Bihar
(d) Orissa
8. Which one of the following political parties seeks to represent and secure power for Dalits, OBC’s
and Adivasis? (Delhi 2011)
(a) Bahujan Samaj Party
(b) Bharatiya Janata Party
(c) Forward Bloc
(d) Janata Dal (S)
9. The political parties which believes in Marxism – Leninism is________, (AI 2011)
(a) Nationalist Congress Party
(b) Communist Party of India
(c) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagan (DMK)
(d) Bahujan Samaj Party
10. Match list I (organization and struggle) with list II and select the correct answer using the codes
given below the lists: (NCERT)
List I List II
(i) Congress Party A. National Democratic Alliance
(ii) Bharatiya Janata Party B. State Party

(iii) Communist Party of India (Marxist) C. United Progressive Alliance
(iv) Telugu Desam Party D. Left Font
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

(a) C A B D
(b) C D A B
(c) C A D B
(d) D C A B
11. Consider the following statements on parties: (NCERT)

(i) Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
(ii) Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
(iii) Parties are not necessary to run the government.
(a) (i), (ii) and (iii) (b) (i) and (ii)
(c) (ii) and (iii) (d) (i) and (iii)
Additional Question
12. Match the following:

Political party Political symbol
A. Indian National Congress
1.
B. Nationalist Congress Party
2.
C. Bharatiya Janata Party
3.
D. Bahujan Samaj Party
4.
1 2 3 4
(a) C B D A
(b) B D A C
(c) C D B A
(d) D C B A
13. Partisan means:

(a) Party which runs the government
(b) Affair of the state or the science of government
(c) A person who strongly committed to a party
(d) A group of people who come together to promote common beliefs.
14. Multi-party system advocates:

A. The political parties which govern the country.
B. The government is formed by various parties coming together.
C. Does not permit free competition foe power.
D. This system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.
(a) A, B and C (b) A, C and D

(c) D and C (d) B and D
15. Recognized political parties stand for:

(a) Parties recognized by the Election Commission with all the privileges and facilities.
(b) Parties that are present in only one of the federal units.
(c) Parties that are present in several and all units of the federation.
(d) Communal parties based on regional diversities.
16. Select the state (from given option) in which the following regional parties function:
(a) Shiv Sena (Utter Pradesh, Sikkim, Maharashtra)
(b) Akali Dal (Punjab, Haryana, Utterakhand)
(c) AIADMK (Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry)
(d) DMK (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamilnadu)
(e) National Conference (Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana)
17. Match the following regional parties with options given in column B and C.
Party – A State - B Formation year - C
(i) Kerala Congress a. Andhra Pradesh I. 2001
(ii) Forward Block b. Assam II. 1964
(iii) Telangana Rashtra c. Kerala III. 2006
Samiti
(iv) Assam united d. West Bengal IV. 1940
Democratic Front
(a) (i) – c – II, (ii) – d – IV, (iii) – a – I, (iv) – b – III

(b) (i) – d – I, (ii) – a – II, (iii) – c – III, (iv) – b – IV
(c) (i) – c – II, (ii) – d – IV, (iii) – a – I, (iv) – b – III
(d) (i) – c – II, (ii) – b – III, (iii) – d – IV, (iv) – a – I
18. An affidavit signifies (Legal):

(a) Signed document where a person makes a sworn statement regarding his or her antecedents.
(b) A law to check the menace.
(c) Legal document to declare the academic qualification
(d) All of the above
19. Election Commission means;

(a) A body which allots symbols to political parties
(b) An organ which defends political rights
(c) An independent multi – member body which is constituted to supervise, conduct and direct
election
(d) An organization to conduct Bi – Election
20. Define National Parties;

(a) Parties that are present in countrywide and have their units in various states
(b) Parties that are present in any four federating states
(c) Parties that are recognized by the election commission
(d) Party operates only in democratic political system
21. One party and Mono party is;

(a) One or two parties operate in the political system
(b) Only one party operates in the political system
(c) Party operates in dictatorship political system
(d) Party operates only in democratic political system
22. Leftist Parties signify:

(a) Parties which want a status Quo
(b) Parties which are radical, ideological and conservative in nature
(c) Parties which check the activities of the government
(d) Parties which govern the country
23. Select the statement related to the advantages of multi – party system:
(a) Multi – party system provides limited choice to voters
(b) There is a chance of conflict
(c) Provides choice to the voters
(d) In multi – party system regional parties get the representation
24. Which constituents force suggest reforms in political parties? Select the option:
(a) The constitution
(b) The supreme court
(c) The election commission
(d) The legislature
25. Name the oldest political party of India.

(a) Bharatiya Jana sangha
(b) Indian national congress (congress party)
(c) The communist party
(d) Bharatiya Janata party
26. Give the meaning of ‘Alliance’:

(a) Two parties together form the government
(b) Leftist and Rightest together form the government
(c) When state and national parties together form the government
(d) When several parties in a multi – party system join for the purpose of contesting elections
and winning power
27. On what basis does a country choose its party system? Select the option:
(a) Nature of society
(b) Nature of political parties
(c) Social differences
(d) History of the election
28. Which two parties were formed after they split with the parent party?
(a) Nationalist Congress Party
(b) Akali Dal
(c) Shiv Sena
(d) communist party of India
29. Which state has maximum recognized regional or state parties?
(a) Tamilnadu
(b) Kerala
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Punjab
30. Are political parties only present in big countries?
(a) Yes, political parties are only present in big countries.
(b) No, political parties are present in only small countries.
(c) It’s not certain that political parties are only present in big countries.
(d) All of the above
31. What is an ideology one – party system?

(a) Party based on suppression of other parties
(b) Party based on coercion
(c) Party based on ideological reasons; coercion and suppression of other parties
(d) Party based on communist ideology
32. How many parties are registered with the election commission?
(a) 750
(b) 754
(c) 760
(d) 764
33. On what basis state parties cannot be recognized as national parties? Select the option.
(a) If state parties do not get success in at least 4 states.
(b) If state parties do not get 4% of vote.
(c) If state parties do not get 6% of vote.
(d) If state parties do not get at least two seats.
34. Define coalition government:

(a) Government of more than two political parties in case no single party get majority
(b) Government of two political parties
(c) Government of two or more regional parties
(d) Government of two or more national parties.
Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)
Previous Years Questions
1. Differentiate between the national parties and regional parties. Write any four points. (CBSE
CCE 2012)
2. Describe any four functions of political party. (CBSE CCE 2012)
3. How do state or regional parties contribute in strengthening federalism and democracy in
India? Explain with examples. (AI 2012)
4. Why is it believed that political parties need to face and overcome the challenge of dynastic
succession to remain effective instruments of democracy? Explain. (CBSE CCE 2012)
5. What is the necessity of political parties in a democratic set up? Explain. (Foreign 2010)
6. How has multi-party system strengthened democracy in India? Explain. (Delhi 2008)
Additional Questions
7. List out the elements of a political party.

8. What are the advantages of a multi – party system?
9. List out important national parties with their aims.
10. Discuss the merits and demerits of Mono – Party system.
11. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of Bi – party system.
12. What are the conditions fulfilled by any party to become a National party?
13. Who was the founder of Bahujan Samaj Party?
What are its main aims? Which states act as the base of this party?
14. Which national party of India oppose imperialism and communalism? Discuss its main
objectives.
15. Write a note on CPI.
16. Which is recently formed national party? Examine its objectives.
17. Write a short note on the growth of regional political parties in India.
18. “Increase in the number of states or regional party’s strengthened democracy in India.”
Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)
Previous Years Questions
1. Explain the three steps taken by the different authorities to reform political parties and their
leaders in India. (CBSE Delhi 2012)
2. Why is there a lack of internal democracy within the political parties in India? Explain with
examples. (AI 2008)
NCERT Questions
3. State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

4. What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
5. Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well.
OR
What are the suggestions often made to reform political parties?
Additional Questions
6. Write a short note on Bharatiya Janata Party under following heading: Inception, Aims,
Policies and Programme.
7. Examine the role of the political parties.
8. “Opposition is important for democracy.” Comment.
Value Based Questions
1. Imagine a situation without the political parties in the country.

(a) What it may lead to?
(b) What values lack in such a situation?
2. (a) The political scene is the mass of many parties.
How do politicians manage these coalitions?
Give your positive opinion in the light of the above.
(b) What values are expressed in the above statement?
Answers
Multiple Choice Questions
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (b)
10. (c) 11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (a) Maharashtra 17. (c) 18. (a)
(b) Pune
(c) Tamilnadu
and
Pondicherry
(d) Tamilnadu
(e) Jammu and
Kashmir
19. (c) 20. (a) 21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (c) 24. (a) 25. (b) 26. (d) 27. (a)
28. (a) 29. (a) 30. (c) 31. (c) 32. (a) 33. (a) 34. (a)
Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)
1. The difference between the national parties and regional parties:
National Parties Regional Party
 National parties have influence all over  While the influence of regional parties is
the country. limited to a particular regions or state.
 National parties deal with national  Whereas, Regional Parties are
problem. concerned with the problems and
 The activities of the national parties give demands of a particular regions only.
priority to the national problems over  But, the activities of regional parties are
the regional problems restricted to the region of the state in
 BJP, Congress, BSP are examples of the which they function.
National parties.  Whereas, Janata Dal, Assam United
 In order to become a national party, any Front, Manipur people’s Party are the
party has to secure at least 6% of total examples of Regional Parties.
votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly  Whereas to become a regional party, a
elections in four states. party has to secure at least 6% of total
votes in the Legislative Election.
2. The functions of the political parties are:

(a) Contest Elections: In most democracies, elections are fought mainly among the
candidates fielded by political parties – select their candidates in different ways.
(b) Put Forward Policies and Programme: Parties put forward different policies and
programme and the voters choose from them. Each of us may have different opinions and
views on what policies are suitable for the society.
(c) Provide Base to the Ruling Party: A party reduces a vast multitude of opinions which it
supports. A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the Ruling
Party.
(d) Making Laws: Political parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country. Formally
laws are debated and passed in legislature.
3. As India is a federal state, so more regional parties mean, more influence of state parties in
national politics.
 Now regional parties have to say in political policies as they win elections in their states.
 In the present political scenario no single national party has been able to form a
government on its own strength since 1996.
 They had to form alliance with the regional parties to form a coalition government at the
center. This has broadened the concept of popular participation and strengthened the
federation and democracy in our country.
4. Political parties need to faced and overcome the challenge of dynastic succession to remain
effective instruments of democracy because,
 As most political parties do not practice open and transparent procedures for their
functioning. So there are very few ways for an ordinary workers to rise to the top in a
party.
 Those who happen to be the leaders are in a position of unfair advantage to favour
people close to them or even their family members.
 Thus, in many parties, the top positions are always controlled by members of one family.
This is unfair to other members of that party.
 This is very negative for democracy, since people who do not have adequate experience
or popular support come to occupy positions of power.
5. Political parties are necessary for Democracy because:
 They unite and aggregate like - minded people from diverse backgrounds, religions, etc., to
form a wide coalition of people and give unity in diversity.
 Political party which wins a majority form the government and undertake socio-economic and
cultural reforms to try and establish a welfare state. The parties, which get a minority of
votes, form the opposition and check the government through different means.
 Parties provide an important two-way link between the government and the people. In this
way they keep the government and the government in close touch with the people.
 Besides, political parties impart political education to the people by popularizing their
manifesto and through other means like meetings, posters, demonstrations, etc.
All these show that political parties are necessary and modern Democracies cannot exist without
political parties.
6. The multi - parry system has strengthened Democracy in India in various constructive ways like:
 Multi - party system has given the opportunities to a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy
political representation. For example, in India more than 750 political parties are registered
with the election commission.
 Multi-parry is more representative and accountable to democratic ideals.
 It creates a system of internal checks and balances within a coalition government.
7. These are some basic elements which are necessary to form a political parties:
Common Aim
 Its members must have a similar and unanimous opinion regarding public matters and
issues.
Organization
 The members with common objectives must form themselves into an organization.
National interest
 The political parties must aim at promoting national interest.
Constitutional Mean
 A political party must follow peaceful and constitutional means in order to capture political
power.
8. The multi-party system is supposed to be in the advantageous position than other party systems.
(e) Democratic in Nature: Multi-party system is a very democratic system of representative

government as various opinions of the people are represented by one of the many parties.
There is wide spectrum of choice for the voters.
(f) Absence of Cabinet Dictatorship: The dictatorship of cabinet is avoided and legislature is
not a puppet in the hands of cabinet.
(g) Represents interests of various group: In a multi-party system the coalition government
only works keeping in mind the interests of various groups and sections.
9. According to the classification of Election Commission in 2006. There were six political recognized
parties in the country like:
Indian National Congress (INC): Its main aim

are secularism and welfare of weaker sections
and minorities.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Its main aim is

cultural nationalism and uniform civil code.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Its main aim seeks

to represent and secure power for the
Bahujan Samaj which includes the Dalits,
Adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities.
Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M):

Its main aim supports socialism, secularism
and Democracy. It oppose imperialism and
communalism.
Communist Party of India (CPI): Its main aim

opposed to forces of secessionism and
communalism. It accepts parliamentary
Democracy.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP): Its main aim

Democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity,
social justice and federalism.
10. "One - party or mono - party system" is such a system in which only one party operates in the
political system for various reasons.
Merits:
 Less expensive: The mono party is not an expensive system as there is only one party and
mostly one candidate contests, thus there is no or not much campaigning. People have no
choice but to vote for him.
 Stability: It provides a stable form of government, as there is only one party, which is not
voted out of power and there is no opposition.
Demerits:
But we cannot consider one party system as a good option because this is not a democratic
option.
 Undemocratic: Mono party is an undemocratic system as in a Democracy there has to be

more than one party. One party can become dictatorial, authoritarian and corrupt.
Competition between parties gives practical meaning to Democracy.
 Encroachment of Rights: In the single party system there is tendency for rights of the
people to be taken away as there is no other party to check the government. Thus, the
government becomes all powerful and encroaches on the rights of the people.
11. Bi-Party system: The two party system in one which the power alternates between two parties.
Advantages:
 Stable Government: The government in those party system would be very stable as it
comes to power by a majority and thus there will be continuity of policies and programs.
 Strong Opposition: In the Bi-Party system the opposition will be very strong and effective as
only one party forms the opposition.
 Responsible government: This system best reconciles responsiveness with order and
representative government with efficient governance.
Disadvantages:
 Undemocratic: Sometimes the two party system is considered as undemocratic as the

ideological choice is very limited between two parties. The opinion of people cannot be
expressed properly.
 Cabinet Dictatorship: Since the party cones to power by an absolute majority, it is difficult to
remove it and it can result in the dictatorship of the cabinet, i.e., the Prime Minister and the
Council of Ministers.
12. In order to become a national party any has to fulfil following conditions:
 The party has to secure at least 6% of total votes in lok sabha elections or assembly elections
in four states.
 The parry has also to win at least 4 seats in the lok sabha.
To become a Regional party, a party has to:
 Secure at least 6% of total votes in legislative assembly election and,

 It has to win minimum 2 seats in the assembly election.
13. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was formed in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram. It is the
youngest among the national parties and is an example of Dalit resurgence.
 This party has its origin in All India Backward (SC, ST, and OBC) and minority’s community’s
employees federation founded in 1978 by Kanshi Ram. In 1981 he launch another
organization called DS-4, i.e., the Dalits, Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti and 1984 finally the
BSP was launched
The ideas and teachings of Mahatma Phule, Periyar Ramaswami Naiker and Baba Saheb
Ambedkar inspired Bahujan Samaj Party a lot.
Aims, Principles and Goals:
 Power given to Bahujan which comprised Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities.
 Welfare of Dalits and oppressed people in order to bring them at the par with upper class.
Present Status:
 Formed coalition government in Utter Pradesh and in 2004 Lok Sabha election secured 5%
votes and 19 seats.
14. Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPI-M) supports socialism, secularism and Democracy
opposes imperialism and communalism. This party was formed in 1964.
Main Aims and Objectives:
 It believes or accepts democratic elections as a useful and helpful means for securing the
objective of socio justice in India.
 The Party is critical of the new economic policies that allow free flow of foreign capitals and
goods in country.
CPI-M enjoy strong support in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura, especially among the poor,
factory workers, farmers, agricultural laborers and the intelligentsia. This party has been in power
in West Bengal without a break for 30 years.
Present status:
In 2004 elections, it won about 6% of votes and 43 seats in Lok Sabha. Currently, it supports the
UPA government from outside.
15. The Communist Party of India was formed in 1925. Till 1977, it remained an ally of the Congress.
Thereafter it started to be anti-Congress and anti-BJP, left and democratic front.
Aims, Objectives and Goals:
 CPI believes in Marxism, Leninism, Secularism and Democracy.

 It oppose the forces of secessionism and communalism.
 It accept parliamentary Democracy as a means of promoting the interests of the working
class, farmers and the poor.
 It favour control over foreign trade, new and equitable international economic order.
 It advocates crop insurance schemes and cancellation of loans taken by small peasants;
radical land reforms, including for wages to agricultural workers, etc. (Any Three)
Present status:
CPI supports base states are - Kerala, west Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. But its
support base has gradually declined over the years. It secured about 1.4% votes and 10 seats in
2004 lok sabha elections. Currently CPI supports UPA government from outside.
16. "Nationalist Congress Party" is the recently formed National Party after the split in congress in
1999.
Objectives of NCP:
 This party advocates Democracy, Gandhian secularism, equality, justice and federalism.
 High post to the government Offices be limited to natural born citizen only.
Present Status:
 Nationalist Congress Party is the major party of Maharashtra. It has also its influence in
Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam.
 Presently it is one of the significant members of the united progressive alliance.
17. The growth of regional parties goes back to the "Geo - Political Nature of India" India is a country
of a continental size and a heterogeneous population. It has a plural society and democratic
culture. These parties are more sensitive to the specific interest of a region and protect and
preserve the regional identity.
Dominance of Congress:
The congress high command treated the state units not as autonomous subordinate branches of
the Congress. This hurt the pride and dignity of the people of the state as their leaders were
treated like puppets. They wanted regional parties to represent their interests.
All these causes led to the rise of various regional parties in India.
18. As India is a federal state, so more regional parties mean, more influence of state parties in
national politics. Now, regional parties have a say if political policies as they win elections in their
states.
In the present political scenario no single National party has been able to form a government on
its own strength since 1996.
They had to form alliances with the regional parties to form a coalition government at the center.
This has broadened the concept of popular participation and strengthened the federation and
Democracy in our country.
Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)
1. As political parties are facing various challenges so there is need to bring some changes or reforms
if the system. Citizens ask over the world face this question: Are the political parties willing to
reforms?"
Anti-Defection Law: The constitution was amended and a new anti-defection law has been
passed to prevent elected MLAs and MPs from changing parties. This was done because many
elected representatives were indulging in defection to become ministers or for cash rewards.
Now according to law if any MLA or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the sear in legislature.
 Affidavit: In order to refuse the influence of money and criminal power the Supreme Court
passed an order in the form of Affidavit. Now it is mandatory for a candidate to file an
Affidavit detailing of his or her property and criminal cases pending against him.
Organizational meeting for political parties:
 The election commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold their
organizational elections and file their income tax returns.
The parties have started doing so but sometimes it is mere formality.
Besides these, many suggestions are often made to reform political parties.
Regulation of party's internal affairs:
 A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties. It should be made
compulsory for political parties to maintain a register of their members, go follow their own
constitution, go have an independent authority, etc.
 It should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about
1/3rd, to women candidates.
State Funding:
 There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to
support their election expenses to avoid corruption.
2. It is a dilemma that while the political parties are seen as an effective instrument of democratic
decentralizations, there is no Democracy within the parties. There are various reason for lack of
Democracy, like:
 Concentration of power in one or a few leaders at top.

 Details of membership are not registered in the parties.
 There is no proper organizational meetings among the political parties as well as internal
elections for membership never held regularly.
 Most of the political parties are lacking means of communication, as ordinary members of the
party do not get sufficient information.
 Leaders of the party have unanimous power of decision making in the name of the party.
Thus all these indicates that in most of the political parties, the personal loyalty to the leaders is
more important than the loyalty to the principle and policies of the party.
3. Basically political parties fill political Offices and exercise political powers. Parties do so by
performing a series of function:
(i) Contest Elections: In mist democracies, elections are fought mainly among the candidates
fielded by political parties like - parties select their candidates in different ways.
(ii) Put Forward Policies and programme: Parties put forward different policies and programs
and the voters choose from them. Each of us may have different opinions and views on
what policies are suitable foe the society.
Provide base to the Ruling Party
(iii) A party reduces a vast multitude of opinions into a few basic positions which it supports. A
government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the Ruling party.
(iv) Making Laws: Political parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country. Formally,
laws are debated and passed in the legislature.
(v) Running Government: To run the government political parties (ruling party) prepares the
council of ministers by training and recruiting the leaders.
(vi) Government Machinery and Welfare Schemes: Political parties provide people access to
government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by governments.
(vii) Role of Opposition: The party which loses election plays the role of opposition. Opposition
party tries to put check on the ruling party by criticizing government for its unjust policies.
 Opposition party sometimes tries to mobilize the leaders or form pressure groups against
the government for the legislation of any specific law.
(viii) Shape Public Opinion: One of the most important functions of the political parties is to
shape public opinion on relevant issues for the proper functioning of the government and to
deepen the concept of Democracy.
4. As political parties are the essence of Democracy so, it is very natural that they are often blamed
for the failure of any policy or the working of Democracy. Mostly political parties face four
challenges in their working area such as:
1. Lack of Internal Democracy.
2. Dynastic Succession.
3. Money and Muscle Power.
4. Absence of Meaningful Choice.
(i) Lack of Internal Democracy - Political Party faces the problem of internal Democracy which
implies:
 Parties do not hold organizational meeting.
 No regular elections to elect their party leaders.
 Membership of the party members are not fairly registered.
All the members except top leaders are not included in the decision making process.
(ii) Dynastic Succession - The challenge is that in most of the political parties the top posts are
always assigned to the members of one family which is very unjust for democratic principles.
 This also reveals that other members do not have capability or popular support to hold
that position.
 The challenge of dynastic succession is present in most of the dominant democratic
countries of the world which is very unfair to other experienced party members.
(iii) Money and Muscle power - Now a days elections are focused mainly on winning at any cost
so parties try to use short cuts like using money and muscle power.
 They try to select or nominate those candidate who can raise money or provide muscle
power.
 Sometime wealthy people and big companies also get involved in the democratic politics
for, their own interest and like to influence decision making process.
(iv) Absence of Meaning Choice - In the present political scenario, there is no ideological
difference among the political parties so they do not provide meaningful choice to votes.
 Those voters who really want a change in the government and its policies never get any
positive option.
 For instance, in Britain having bi - party system there is a little difference between the
"Labour Parry and Conservative Party."
Even in India having multi-party system the differences between the parries over the economic
matter have got declined and people do not have any meaningful choice.
However, to face these challenges, political parties need to be reformed.
5. As political parties are facing various challenges so there is need to bring some changes or reforms
in the system. Citizens all over the world face this question: 'Are political Parties willing to reforms.
Anti-Defection Law: The constitution was amended and a new anti-defection law has been
passed to prevent elected MLAs and MPs from changing parties. This was done because many
elected representatives were indulging in defection to become ministers or for cash rewards.
Now according to law if any MLA or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the sear in legislature.
 Affidavit: In order to refuse the influence of money and criminal power the Supreme Court
passed an order in the form of Affidavit. Now it is mandatory for a candidate to file an
Affidavit detailing of his or her property and criminal cases pending against him.
Organizational meeting fir political parties:
 The election commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold their
organizational elections and file their income tax returns.
The parties have started doing so but sometimes it is mere formality.

Besides these, many suggestions are often made to reform political parties.
Regulation of party's internal affairs:
 A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties. It should be made
compulsory for political parties to maintain a register of their members, go follow their own
constitution, go have an independent authority, etc.
 It should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about
1/3rd, to women candidates.
State Funding:
 There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to
support their election expenses to avoid corruption.
6. Inception - "Bharatiya Janata Party" was founded in the year of 1980. It emerged out of the
"Bharatiya Jana Sangha". In its initial stage, the party was substantially limited to northern and
western urban areas.
 Slowly and gradually it shifted its influence in south- east, north-east, and rural areas.
 The BJP came into power as the ruling party in 1996 as the leader of NDA (National
Democratic Alliance).
Main Policies, Aims and Objectives.
 To modernize India on the basis of our tradition and cultural values.

 To develop India into a nation - state on the principle of 'Hindutva' i.e., Cultural Nationalism.
 Integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India on territorial and political basis.
 Promotion of Uniform Civil Code.
 Against religious conversions.
 Proper implementation and promotion of Mandal Commission regarding continued
reservation for SC, ST and Other Backward Classes.
Present status:
 Presently BJP is playing the constructive role of opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
7. The role of the political parties can be demarcated into:
 Before Election
 After Election
Role before Election

 Before election parties unite likeminded people who belong to diverse backgrounds and thus
form a wide coalition of people and give unity in diversity.
 They seek to provide the highest common denominator. They aggregate and articulate public
opinion
 Parties simplify and stabilize the political process. They seek to broaden the range of interests
that represent and harmonies these interests with each other.
 Before election by popularizing the manifesto (which is a document that consists of all the
promises) and in other ways also, parties educate, instruct, mobilise and activate the
electorate. Thus they act as Tran of ideas and opinions to social needs and national goals.
Role after Election
 After the elections are over, the parry which gets the majority of votes forms the government
as "Ruling Party" and works for the welfare of the people. The parties which get a minority of
votes forms the opposition and check the government inside the parliament by debates,
question hour, cut motion, adjournment motion, etc.
 Political parties provide social support, structure to governmental policies and programs.
 Parties act like a durable two - way link between the citizens and the government between
the electorates and representative institutions. Parties also give national dimensions to local
policies and translate public opinion into public policy.
8. An effective responsible and responsive opposition is the hallmark of a Democracy and the
lifeblood of a competitive party system. On the whole, opposition plays a two - way role: Positive
Role and Negative Role.
Positive Role:
 It acts like a restraining force, as it represents legitimate dissent. The opposition criticizes and
exposes the mistakes, shortcoming, failures, lapses, etc., of the ruling party and thus acts like
a necessary corrective to it.
 The opposition helps to ventilate the grievances of the people and helps the government to
know their views. In this way they help in the formulation of policy.
 The opposition has often checked the financial malpractices on part of the government and
exposed the government's various scams like the Bofors deal, Stocks - Share scam, etc.
 The opposition also acts like an "Alternative government or as the government in waiting"
when the government collapse before its five years tenure.
Negative Role:
 Opposition party opposes all governmental measures and propose nothing concrete. It only
critics without giving constructive suggestions.
 Its main aim is to dislodge and discredit the government.

 Through Dharnas and Gheraos, it curtails the progress of the country.
Opposition does not always obstruct and harass the government. It agrees with the government
on certain fundamentals lime electoral reforms, improve condition of workers and peasants,
making panchayat and local bodies autonomous, fighting corruption, judicial reforms, etc.
Value Based Questions
1. (a) Absence of political parties may lead to:

 Complication in election system.
 Confusion and chaos among voters.
 Maladministration on national issues line defence, foreign trade, etc.
(b) (i) Democratic values.
(ii) Political Empowerment.
2. (a) it’s true that presently political scene is dominated by many parties. If we take it in positive
sense we see that this signifies:
 The very concept of popular participation.

 Equal representation of all communities.
 Above all, this has strengthened federalism and Democracy in our country.
The politicians do manage these coalitions by giving proportional representation to all the
emerging political parties and their members.
(b) Equality and Ideals of Justice.

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RGT CLASSES, THANE- X POLITICAL SCIENCE

Chapter 2. Political Parties.

Important Terms and Concepts

1. Political Parties. A “political party" is a political association or a voluntary group of people

3. Partisan. A person who is strongly committed to a party, group or a faction. Partnership is

10. Ruling Party. Political Party that runs the government.

List of Regional Parties with their regions/states.

Regional Parties Areas of Influence

 Kerala Congress  Kerala

 Dravida Munnetra Kazagam  Tamil Nadu

Multiple Choice Questions.

 Political Parties are allotted symbols by........ (CBSE CCE 2012)

2. A recognized political party is one that. (CBSE CCE 2012)

(a) Is registered with election commission of India.

(ii) Bharatiya Janata Party B. State Party

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

11. Consider the following statements on parties: (NCERT)

12. Match the following:

D. Bahujan Samaj Party

13. Partisan means:

14. Multi-party system advocates:

(a) A, B and C (b) A, C and D

15. Recognized political parties stand for:

(a) (i) – c – II, (ii) – d – IV, (iii) – a – I, (iv) – b – III

18. An affidavit signifies (Legal):

19. Election Commission means;

20. Define National Parties;

21. One party and Mono party is;

(d) Party operates only in democratic political system

22. Leftist Parties signify:

25. Name the oldest political party of India.

26. Give the meaning of ‘Alliance’:

31. What is an ideology one – party system?

34. Define coalition government:

(d) Government of two or more national parties.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Previous Years Questions

7. List out the elements of a political party.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Previous Years Questions

3. State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

What are the suggestions often made to reform political parties?

Value Based Questions

1. Imagine a situation without the political parties in the country.

How do politicians manage these coalitions?

Give your positive opinion in the light of the above.

(b) What values are expressed in the above statement?

Multiple Choice Questions

1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (b)

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

1. The difference between the national parties and regional parties:

National Parties Regional Party

2. The functions of the political parties are:

5. Political parties are necessary for Democracy because:

 The political parties must aim at promoting national interest.

(e) Democratic in Nature: Multi-party system is a very democratic system of representative

There is wide spectrum of choice for the voters.

Indian National Congress (INC): Its main aim

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Its main aim is

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Its main aim seeks

Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M):

Communist Party of India (CPI): Its main aim

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP): Its main aim