Political Parties

This chapter of Class 10 Political Science (Democratic Politics-II) takes a close look at political parties - the most visible institutions of a democracy. It begins by asking why we need parties at all, defining a political party as a group that contests elections and holds power to promote the collective good, and explaining its three components - leaders, active members and followers. It sets out the seven functions parties perform, from contesting elections and framing policies to making laws, forming governments, providing opposition, shaping opinion and giving citizens access to the government. It shows why modern democracies cannot exist without parties, and compares one-party, two-party and multiparty systems with examples of China, the USA, the UK and India. It explains how the Election Commission recognises State and national parties, introduces the six national parties and the role of State parties in strengthening federalism, and examines the four challenges parties face - lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, money and muscle power, and the absence of meaningful choice. Finally, it discusses reforms such as the anti-defection law, affidavit disclosure and Election Commission regulation, along with suggestions and the role of public participation. A high-scoring, concept-rich chapter of the Board syllabus.