Class X Civics Chapter - 4 Political Parties

 

Chapter - 4

Political Parties - An Introduction

Political party

 

*A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.

*They agree on  certain policies, goals  and programmes for the welfare of the society.

*It mobilises voters to support these  policies ,interests, concerns and goals.

*A political party fixes the political agenda and policies to persuade people by claiming their policies are better than other parties.

A political party is the means through which people can speak to the government and have a control in the governance of any country.

A political party has three components : (i) the leaders (ii) the active members (iii) the followers.

(Role )Functions of political parties

(i) Political parties contest elections to win the majority and form the government. They choose candidates who are popular personalities known to their voters. In India, they are chosen by the top leaders, in most countries by members of the party.

(ii) Political parties prepare their policies and programmes and make them known to the public. They make every attempt to convince the public that their programme is the best. They organise public meetings, speeches, demonstrations to gain public support. They even announce policy changes if once they are elected.

(iii) Political parties mobilise public opinion .they raise and highlight  major issues through pressure groups.

They form pressure groups . They launch movement for the resolution of public problems.

They not only inform the public, they also seek its support involving problems facing the country.

 

(iv) Political parties play a major role in making laws for the country. No law can become a bill unless all parties support it. Parties follow the direction given by their party leaders.

(v) Political parties form an important link between the government and the people. It is easy for the public to approach their local leader than a government official. The local leader has to listen to the public demand, otherwise he will lose the next election.

(vi) Parties form and run government.

 

Previous Questions

1.What is meant by ‘political party’?   2015

2.Analyse the three components of a political party.  2016

Or

Describe the three components of a political party. 2014

4.Describe any five major functions of political  parties.   2015

5.Political parties play a major role in democracy.”

Explain any five points to justify this statement. 2012,

OR

6.“Political parties are rightly called the government  in disguise.” Justify the statement in reference to

democratic politics by giving five arguments. 2012

How do political parties help in shaping public  opinion ? Explain. 2012

Need for Political Parties

Democracies cannot exist without political parties is clear from the functions they perform.

If there were no political parties then:

(i) All candidates in an election would become independent candidates. They cannot promise any major policy change to the people. No one will be responsible for how the country is run.

(ii)Formation of government will be difficult if the government is formed that government will be instable

(iii) Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency for what they do in their

locality. But no one will be responsible for how the country will run.

(iv) The role of opposition party in a democracy is essential for the existence of political parties.

 As societies become large and complex they also need some organizations to gather different  views on various issues and to present these to  the government Political parties are these organizations which present various public issues  to the government.

 

Previous Questions

1.“Political parties are a necessary condition for a  democracy”. Analyse the statement with examples. 2016

OR

2.Why can’t modern democracies exist without the  political parties? Explain any four reasons. 2011 , 2015

Function of the Opposition party & Ruling Party

Functions of the opposition parties

Opposition party is a party which does not win elections in sufficient numbers to form a government. But it keeps an eye on the working of the ruling party and acts as a check on their activities

(i)  They protect the rights and liberties of the people by not allowing any law to be passed which threatens their fundamental rights.

They oppose the government by voicing different views.

(ii)  They criticize government for its failure and wrong policies. They prevent the ruling party from misusing its powers. They keep a check on their expenditures, brings their failure before the public.

Functions of the ruling parties

(i)  They play a major role in making laws for the country.

(ii)  They form the government and run the country.

(iii)  They recruit leaders, train them and then make ministers to run the government.

Explain two functions each of the ruling party as  well of the opposition parties. 2012

Three types of Party systems

One-party system (Mono-Party System )

*It is a political system in which only one party controls and runs the government.

*One-party system is followed in China, North Korea and Cuba. This system was also prevalent in USSR till its breakup into 15 independent states. They are mostly communist countries.

*There is no competition in this system. The lone party nominates candidates and the voters have to say “yes” or “no” only against the name of the candidates. They have another choice of not voting at all.

*One-party system is popular in communist or authoritarian countries. Supporters of one-party system claim that this system helps the government in mobilizing the talents of all citizens towards a common goal.

* This system limits the choices and freedom of the citizens, hence it is not a good system for a democracy. it doesnot has no democratic options . In democracy people must have at least two parties to choose from. The one party system is like a dictatorship, where people have to follow government policies. Fundament rights

            Two-party system(Bi-Party System)

Main features of two-party system

(i)  There are only two main parties. Power usually changes between two parties, several other parties may exist but never enough seats to form a government. The party that gets the majority forms the government and the other party forms opposition.

(ii)  In such system, people get clear choice.

(iii)  The party that wins majority forms the government and the other sits in opposition.

(iv)  Strong opposition is good for democracy.

(v)  Prompt decisions are taken and implemented.

(vi)  More development and less corruption.

The United States of America and United Kingdom are examples of two-party system.

Multi-party system

 

*In a multi-party system, three or more parties have a chance to win elections and gain control of the government.

*If several parties try to come in power either on their own strength or in alliance with others.

*In India, the multi-party system has allowed various parties to come together in a coalition.

*Several parties have joined hands in elections to contest and win power.

*For example, in India, there have been three such major alliances in 2004 parliamentary elections

Alliances

National Democratic Alliance -  founded in 1998 , Alliance of 25 parties ,

 United Progressive Alliance – Formed in 2004  , 11 Parties

 Left Front -

 

These alliances may appear messy or unstable but they have allowed a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation. This system is followed in India, France and Denmark

Indian Multi party system

India adopted a Multi party system because :

(i)  There is social and geographical diversity in India.

(ii)  India is such a large country which is not easily absorbed by two or three parties.

(iii)  The system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation

Merits :

(i)  This system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.

(ii)  People can make a choice between several candidates.

Demerits :

(i)  No one party is likely to gain power alone. Therefore, it leads to difficulty in formation of government.

(ii)  Leads to political instability and often appears to be very messy.

‘No system is ideal for All

No system is ideal for all countries and in all situations because

Party system is not something, any country can choose.

* It evolves over a long time depending on the nature of the society.

 Its evolution depends on social and regional division, its history of policies and its system of elections.

*Each country develops a party system that is conditioned by its special circumstances.

Previous Questions

Why did India adopt Multi-Party system ?  2016

What is a Multi-Party System ? Why has India  adopted a Multi-Party System ? Explain. 2012 , 2015 

Why is one party political system not considered a good democratic system ?  2016

Describe any three main features of Two-Party System.  2015

What do you understand by the Bi-Party System ?  Write its one merit and one demerit. 2012,

Name the alliance formed by the Congress Party. 2016,

Which party was the principal opposition party in  Lok Sabha in 2004 ?  2016

“No party system is ideal for all countries and all situations.” Justify the statement with arguments. 2016

 

National /regional parties

*Every party in the country has to register with the Election Commission.

*These parties are given a unique symbol – only the official candidates of that party can use that election symbol.

*The election commission list political parties as

National Parties

State Party

Criteria for recognized party

The Election Commission has laid down detailed criteria of the proportion of votes and seats that a party must get in order to be a recognised party.

These conditions are specified in election symbol order 1968

National Party

*A party that wins 6% of total votes cast in the lok sabha  elections or  Assembly Elections in four states

 and

* wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha is called a national party.

*There were six national recognised parties in the country in 2006

*Currently there are 8 Recognized National Parties

1.Indian National Congress(founded in 1885)

2.Bharatiya Janata Party (founded in 1980)

3.Bahujan Samaj Party (founded in 1984)

4.Communist Party of India – Marxist (founded in 1964)

5.Communist Party of India (founded in 1925)

6.Nationalist Congress Party (founded in 1999)

7.All India Trinamool Congress

8.National Peoples Party

State party

 

A party that secures 6% all of the total votes cast in an Assembly election  of a state

 And wins at least two seats in the state is recognised a state party.

Difference between a National Party and a Regional Party

*A national party has influence all over the country or in many states of India.

The influence of a state party is in a state or a few regions.

*National parties care for national interests, whereas regional parties promote mainly regional interests.

For example, the DMK

*Regional parties stand for greater autonomy for the states. The national parties, on the other hand, have to harmonize various conflicting regional interests.

*An exclusive symbol such as (lotus or hand) is reserved for a national party throughout India. But in case of a regional party, a symbol for it is reserved for it in the state .

*A national party is a registered party It has  a reserved party symbol, free broadcast time on state-run television and radio related to the party activities or in favour of the party.

 ‘The rise of regional parties

 

Over the last few decades, the number and strength of regional parties has expanded. This made the Parliament of India politically more and more diverse, since no one national party is able to secure majority on its own in the Lok Sabha, the national parties are compelled to form alliances with state parties. This has contributed to the strengthening of federalism and democracy in our country.

Defection & affidavit

(i) When an elected MP or MLA changes his party, it is called Defection.

(ii) An affidavitis a signed document submitted to an officer, where a person makes a sworn statement regarding her/his personal information. In the case of politics, a candidate has to file an affidavit giving details of his property and criminal cases pending against him.

Previous questions

What are the criteria laid down by the Election Commission in order to be recognized as a national party and a state party. [2011 (T-2)]

What is the criteria laid down by the Election Commission for the proportion of votes in order to be a recognized  party ?OR

‘The rise of regional parties has led to strengthening of federation and democracy in our country.’ Do you agree with the option? Why/why not? [HOTS]

‘No system is ideal for all countries and all situations’. Explain. [HOTS]

How has multi-party system strengthened democracy in India? Explain. [2008]

Discuss the merits and demerits of two-party system and multi-party system.

Election Commission

Every party in India has to register with the Election Commission. The Commission treats every party as equal to the others, but it offers special facilities to large and established parties. They are given a unique symbol and are called, “ recognised political parties.”

Major National Political Parties in India

1. Indian National Congress (INC)

*The national political party which espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities is the Indian National Congress.

*A centrist party (neither rightist nor leftist) in its ideological orientation.

Features of this party are listed below:

*Founded in 1885, it led the movement for independence. After independence it became free India’s premier political party.

*Dominated Indian politics, both at the national and state levels, for several decades after India’s independence.

 In the first five General Elections held, the Congress virtually controlled the politics of the country.

 *It lost the elections in 1977 following the Emergency rule. It made a comeback in 1980 under Indira Gandhi with a massive victory and reached its peak in the election of 1984. (Ruling party at the centre till 1977 and then from 1980 to 1989)

* After 1989, its support declined. BJP rose in power.

*In the elections held in May 2004, the Congress emerged as the winner with the help of its allies. It formed a coalition government called the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

* In its manifestos, it projected a vision of a politically united, economically prosperous, socially just and culturally harmonious India.

Ideology of the Indian National Congress (INC)

 

*The Indian National Congress is one of the oldest political parties in the world, and is  India’s oldest political party. It is a party which is neither leftist nor rightist in its ideology.

*Its main aim is secularism, welfare of the weaker sections and minorities. It projects a vision of a politically united, economically prosperous, socially just and culturally harmonious India.

*Its six basic policies are social harmony, employment for the youth, rural development, economic resurgence, women’s employment, and equal opportunity.

2.NCP (Nationalist Congress Party)

 

     *The NCP was formed on 25^th May 1999, when a split took place in the Congress Party.                                                                                                                 *Its aims are almost the same as those of the parent body. They also support the cause of democracy, Gandhian secularism, equality, social justice and federalism.

* NCP also opposes the authoritarian type of functioning of the parties.

*But they want that high offices in government should be held only by natural born citizens of India.

*Sharad Pawar, P.A. Sangma and Tariq Anwar, members of the Congress Party, objected to a person of foreign origin becoming the Prime Minister of India and formed this new party. They strongly opposed the Italian-born Sonia Gandhi of becoming the leader of the INC

* It has the biggest support in Maharashtra and important presence in Meghalaya, Manipur and Assam. It is a coalition partner in Maharashtra, in alliance with the Congress.

* Since 2004, it remained a member of the United Progressive Alliance. (UPA).

3. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

 *‘Bharatiya Janata Party’ (BJP) gets inspiration from India’s ancient culture and values.

*was founded in 1980, it champions the socio-religious values of the Hindu majority of India, conservative social policies, and strong national defence.

  *It originated from Bharatiya Jana Sangh that was formed in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mookerjee. After the emergency of I977, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was merged with other parties to form the Janata Party.

*It remained in power for three years thereafter the Janata Party was dissolved in 1980 to create the BJP with the members of erstwhile Jana Sangh party.

Important features: `

(i)  Cultural nationalism or ‘Hindutva’ is an important element in its conception of Indian nationhood and politics.

(ii)  The party wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.

(iii)  A uniform civil code for all people living in the country irrespective of religion and ban on

religious conversions.

(iv)  Its support base increased substantially in the 1990s.

Since its formation, the BJP has been a strong rival of the Indian National Congress. It has allied itself with regional parties to challenge the Congress Party, which dominated Indian politics for 40 years.

 

The BJP, in alliance with several other parties, led the Government of India between 1998 and 2004. It is now the ruling party, and the leading party within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

4. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

*The Bahujan Samaj Party is a party formed to represent the OBC, SC, ST and religious minorities, those at the bottom of India’s caste system.

The meaning of word Bahujan is 'the majority of the people' and the meaning of samaj is 'society'.

*The BSP was formed in 1984 by two leaders, Kanshiramand Mayawati.

 *The main base of the party is in Uttar Pradesh. It also has a substantial following in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Punjab.

* The BSP also draws inspiration from the teachings of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

The ideology of BSP is 'Social Transformation and Economic Emancipation' of the Bahujan Samaj that mainly represents the oppressed sections of the country such as the scheduled tribes, scheduled castes, other backward classes and religious minorities.

It draws inspiration from the ideology and teachings of B.R. Ambedkar, Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker. So, it strongly opposed the 'Manuwadi' social system practised by upper-caste Hindu communities such as Brahmins and wealthiest sections of the society.

In 1993, Mayawati succeeded Kanshi Ram and became BSP's president. Mayawati became the chief minister of UP four times before losing the seat to Samajwadi party in 2012.

Election Symbol of BSP and its Significance:

The election symbol of BSP as approved by the Election Commission of India is an Elephant which faces left. The significance of this symbol is that it represents will-power and physical strength.

5.Communist Party of India (CPI)

Communist Party of India (CPI) is one of the national parties in India.

*It follows communist ideology. It is the oldest party in India which began the communist movement in India that was inspired by the Great October Socialist Revolution in Russia in 1917.

*The youth of CPI wanted to follow the ideal of Marxism for the Indian anti-imperialist struggles and thus to improve the dismal conditions of the working-class of the country.

Election Symbol of CPI and its Significance:

*The symbol of CPI as approved by the election commission of India is ears of corn and a sickle. The symbol is mostly displayed on a red-coloured flag. The red colour represents the struggle that symbolizes the communist party.

* The corn's ears and a sickle shows that the CPI is a party of farmers, labourers, who work in the fields to earn their living. So, it is linked with the conditions of the working class, poor, and oppressed in society

6. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI–M)

*Communist Party of India (Marxist) is a national party in India. It was founded in 1964.

*The founding members of CPI (M) include M.N. Roy, Evelyn Trent Roy, Abani Mukherjee, Mohammad Siddiqui and Mohammad Ali.

*It is popularly known as CPIM. It is formed when a group of members of the Communist Party of India (CPI) left the CPI to form CPIM.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), usually known as CPI (M), split from the Communist Party of India in 1964.

It is strongest in the states of Kerala, West Bengaland Tripuraas of 2006, and led the government in all these states till 2011 when it lost power in the first two.

It is a left-wing political party that follows communist political ideology as well as is inspired by the writings of Marx and Lenin and supports and promotes social justice, classless society, and social equality. As per the claims of this party, it is a national or political party of the working classes of India that stands and fights for the welfare and issues of workers, farmers, agriculture, etc.

Election symbol

The election symbol of CPIM as approved by the Election Commission of India is a hammer and a sickle that intersect each other. It is usually shown on a red-coloured flag as a background. Red colour indicates the struggle. The intersecting tools show that it is a party of the peasants, labourers who earn their living by working in fields.

7.All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)

It is a national political party in India founded in 1988 by Mamata Banerjee. It is popularly known as the Trinamool Congress or AITMC. It came into power when it defeated the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPIM in the 2011 Vidhan Sabha elections held in West Bengal, India.

 

AITC is the creation of Mamata Banerjee. It originated from Indian National Congress when Mamata Banerjee left the Congress after being its member for almost 20 years. She left Congress and formed her own party in 1998.

Election symbol

Its symbol is the 'twin flowers in the grass.' There is a popular term in West Bengal for this symbol which is Jora Ghas Phul that means grass and two flowers. The symbol has three colours same as the tricolour Indian flag. The slogan of the party 'Ma Maati Manush' (Mother Motherland and People) also shows the significance of the party symbol. The flowers in the symbol represent the support of the party for the poor and oppressed sections of the societies.

 

8.National Peoples Party

National People's Party is a national political party in India. However, it has a strong presence mainly in the state of Meghalaya.

* It was founded by P A Sangma in 2013 after he was expelled from the NCP in 2012. It was accorded the status of a national party on 07 June 2019 after it was recognized as a state party in the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. It is also the first party from North-eastern India that became a national political party.

Election Symbol of NPP and its Significance:

*The election symbol of NPP as approved by election commission is a book. It signifies that the weaker sections of the societies can be empowered only through education and literacy.

Challenges Faced By Political Parties(Refer Book)

(1)Lack of internal democracy within parties

* Power concentrated in the hands of few.

*No organizational meetings. No keeping of membership register.

* No internal, regular elections.

* Ordinary members do not have access to information, cannot influence decisions.

* Disagreement with the leader leads to ouster from the party.

(2)  Dynastic succession

* Leaders on top have unfair advantage to favour people close to them or family members.

* Top positions controlled by family members in most parties.

* Bad for democracy.

* Tendency seen all over the world, even in the older democracies.

 

(3)  Money and muscle power

* During elections this power is very visible.

*Candidates who can raise money are nominated.

*Rich people and companies who give funds have influence on policies.

(4)  Parties do not offer a meaningful choice to the voters.

There is not much difference in ideology among parties. Example : Labour Party and Conservative Party of Britain.

They only differ on details of implementation rather than fundamental principles.

* In India also there is not much difference among parties on economic issues.

 

Which three challenges do you feel are being faced by political parties in India? Give your opinion.  2016

“Lack of internal democracy within parties is the  major challenge to political parties all over the  world.” Analyse the statement. 2015, 2016

Suggestions to reform political parties

Reforms:

Some of the reform measures taken by the government are:

Anti-defection law

Affidavit requirement

Organizational meetings for political parties.

 Laws made to regulate internal politics:

— It should be compulsory to maintain a register of its members.

— hold independent inquiry in case of a party dispute.

— hold open elections to top party posts.

 It should be mandatory to give 1/3 party tickets to women candidates. There should be a

quota for women in decision making bodies.

The government or the state should help parties during elections by funding them.

 Expenses for petrol, paper, telephone etc. given.

— Cash can be given on the basis of votes secured by the party in the last elections.

Mention some of the suggestions made to reform political parties.

Suggestions made to reform political parties and its leaders :

 

(1)  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 its members, follow its own constitution and hold open elections to  the highest posts.

(2)  It should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to  women candidates.

(3)  There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money, petrol, paper,  telephone etc. to support their election expenses.

 

Interest Groups :

They seek to promote interest of a particular section or group of society. Examples :Trade

unions, business associations, and professionals (lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc.). They represent a section of  society.

Public Interest Groups :

They promote collective good as opposed to selective good.They support or help groups

other than their own members. Example :A group fighting bondedlabour fights for everyone who is suffering  under such bondage. BAMCEF (Backward and Minorities Community Employees Federation) campaigns against  caste distinctions or discrimination. Its principal concern is with social justice and social equality for the whole society.

  Pressure Groups :

They attempt to influence government policies without seeking control or political power.

Pressure groups are formed when people of the common occupation, interests, aspirations come together to

achieve an objective. Examples :Narmada Bachao Andolan, Anti-Liquor Movement, Women’s Movements.

 

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Pol…Gx@SPV..Dec20