Political Parties Class 10 Notes RBSE CBSE | Political Science Chapter 5

📅 Sunday, 28 December 2025 📖 3-5 min read
📚 CHAPTER 5

Political Parties

राजनीतिक दल
📘 RBSE Board 📗 CBSE Board 📙 Class 10 Political Science ⭐ Board Exam 2026
📌 Chapter at a Glance
Chapter NamePolitical Parties
Hindi Nameराजनीतिक दल
SubjectPolitical Science (Civics)
Class10th
BoardRBSE / CBSE
National Parties6 (BJP, INC, BSP, CPI, CPI-M, NPP)
State Parties50+ recognized
Total Registered2700+ parties
Party SystemMulti-party System
Board Weightage5-6 Marks

Political Parties are essential for democracy to function. They are the vehicles through which citizens participate in politics, contest elections, form governments, and hold those in power accountable. Without political parties, democracy as we know it would not exist.

This chapter explores what political parties are, why we need them, what functions they perform, and what types of party systems exist. We will also study the major national and state parties of India, the challenges they face, and reforms needed to make them better.

Understanding political parties is crucial because they are the main actors in any democracy. Every government is run by one or more parties, and every opposition is also made of parties.

📋 Table of Contents
  1. What is a Political Party?
  2. Why Do We Need Political Parties?
  3. Functions of Political Parties
  4. Types of Party Systems
  5. National Parties in India
  6. State Parties in India
  7. Challenges to Political Parties
  8. Reforms in Political Parties
  9. Important Terms (Glossary)
  10. Practice MCQs
  11. Short Answer Questions
  12. Long Answer Questions

1. 🏛️ What is a Political Party?

📖 Definition

A Political Party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote the collective good.

1.1 Three Components of a Political Party

# Component Description
1 Leaders People who lead the party, make decisions, contest elections, and hold offices if elected
2 Active Members People who are actively involved in party activities, campaigns, meetings, and organizational work
3 Followers/Supporters General public who believe in the party's ideology, vote for it, but may not be formally members

1.2 What Makes a Party Different?

Every political party has:

  • ✅ Ideology: A set of beliefs and principles (e.g., socialism, nationalism, secularism)
  • ✅ Policies: Specific plans on issues like economy, education, health
  • ✅ Programmes: Promises made to voters (manifesto)
  • ✅ Symbol: A unique election symbol (lotus, hand, elephant, etc.)
  • ✅ Organization: Structure from national to local level

2. ❓ Why Do We Need Political Parties?

🤔 Can Democracy Work Without Parties?

Imagine a situation where:

  • Every candidate is independent
  • No one has any common programme
  • Government is formed by whoever wins
  • No one is responsible for how the country is run

Result: Chaos! No stable government, no accountability, no direction.

2.1 Reasons Why We Need Political Parties

# Reason Explanation
1 Collective Action Parties bring together people with similar views to work for common goals
2 Stable Government Parties provide stable majority to form and run government
3 Choice to Voters Parties offer different policies, voters can choose based on preferences
4 Accountability Party in power is held responsible for its performance
5 Opposition Parties not in power keep check on government, criticize wrong policies
6 Political Education Parties educate citizens about political issues and mobilize them
💡 Did You Know?

There is no country in the world that successfully runs democracy without political parties. Even countries that tried to ban parties (like Uganda under Museveni) eventually had to allow them.

3. ⚙️ Functions of Political Parties

# Function Description
1 Contest Elections Parties select candidates and field them in elections. In India, top party leaders choose candidates.
2 Put Forward Policies Parties formulate policies and programmes. Voters choose the party whose policies they prefer.
3 Make Laws Elected representatives debate and pass laws in Parliament/Legislature based on party position.
4 Form Government Party that wins majority forms government. Leaders become ministers and run the country.
5 Role of Opposition Parties that lose form opposition. They criticize government, suggest alternatives, keep check on power.
6 Shape Public Opinion Parties raise issues, launch movements, educate people about political matters.
7 Access to Government Parties provide a link between citizens and government machinery. People approach local party leaders for help.
🎯 Key Point

Political parties are like the "transmission belts" of democracy — they transmit the will of the people to the government and bring government decisions to the people.

4. 🔄 Types of Party Systems

System Description Examples Pros & Cons
One-Party System Only one party allowed to exist and control government. No competition. China (Communist Party), Cuba, North Korea ❌ Not democratic, no choice, no accountability
Two-Party System Two major parties dominate. Power alternates between them. USA (Democrats vs Republicans), UK (Labour vs Conservative) ✅ Stable governments
❌ Limited choice
Multi-Party System Several parties compete. More than two have chance to win. India, France, Germany ✅ More choice, represents diversity
❌ May lead to unstable coalitions

4.1 India's Multi-Party System

🇮🇳 India's Party System
  • India has a multi-party system
  • Over 2700 registered parties (as of 2024)
  • 6 National Parties + 50+ State Parties
  • Often results in coalition governments
  • Reflects India's social diversity (language, region, caste, religion)

4.2 What is an Alliance/Coalition?

🤝 Alliance / Coalition

When no single party gets majority, several parties come together to form a government. This is called a coalition government.

Examples:

  • NDA (National Democratic Alliance) — led by BJP
  • UPA (United Progressive Alliance) — led by Congress
  • INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) — Opposition alliance

5. 🇮🇳 National Parties in India

5.1 What is a National Party?

📜 Criteria for National Party (as per ECI)

A party is recognized as National Party if it fulfills ANY ONE of these conditions:

  1. Secures at least 6% of votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in 4 or more states AND wins at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha
  2. Wins at least 2% of total Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from at least 3 different states
  3. Recognized as State Party in at least 4 states

5.2 List of National Parties (2024)

🪷
1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Founded1980 (from earlier Jana Sangh, 1951)
SymbolLotus (कमल)
IdeologyCultural Nationalism, Hindutva, Integral Humanism
Current PositionRuling party at Centre (since 2014), largest party
Key LeadersPM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda
Key FeaturesStrong at Centre, rules many states, pro-market economy, emphasis on national security and cultural identity
✋
2. Indian National Congress (INC)
Founded1885 (oldest party in India)
SymbolHand (हाथ का पंजा)
IdeologySecularism, Social Democracy, Inclusive Growth
Current PositionMain opposition party, rules few states
Key LeadersMallikarjun Kharge (President), Rahul Gandhi
Key FeaturesLed freedom movement, ruled India for most years after independence, centrist policies, welfare focus
🐘
3. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
Founded1984 by Kanshi Ram
SymbolElephant (हाथी)
IdeologySocial Justice, Ambedkarism, Bahujan Movement
Support BaseDalits, OBCs, minorities (especially in UP)
Key LeadersMayawati (Supreme Leader)
Key FeaturesFocus on Dalit empowerment, social justice, inspired by BR Ambedkar, formed government in UP multiple times
🌾
4. Communist Party of India (CPI)
Founded1925
SymbolEars of Corn and Sickle (बाली और हंसिया)
IdeologyMarxism, Communism, Secularism
Support BaseWorkers, farmers, landless laborers
Key FeaturesBelieves in peaceful transition to socialism, supports land reforms, workers' rights, opposes imperialism
🔨
5. Communist Party of India (Marxist) - CPI(M)
Founded1964 (split from CPI)
SymbolHammer, Sickle and Star (हथौड़ा, हंसिया और तारा)
IdeologyMarxism-Leninism, Communism
StrongholdsKerala, West Bengal, Tripura
Key FeaturesStronger Marxist party, ruled West Bengal for 34 years (1977-2011), currently strong in Kerala, focus on land reforms and workers
📖
6. National People's Party (NPP)
Founded2013
SymbolBook
IdeologyRegional development, tribal rights
StrongholdMeghalaya and Northeast India
Key FeaturesFirst party from Northeast to get national party status (2019), rules Meghalaya, part of NDA alliance
📝 Exam Tip: Remember National Parties

Mnemonic: Big Boss Can Control Indian Nation

BJP, BSP, CPI, CPI(M), INC, NPP

6. 🗺️ State Parties in India

6.1 What is a State Party?

📜 Criteria for State Party (as per ECI)

A party is recognized as State Party if it fulfills ANY ONE condition:

  1. Secures at least 6% of votes in state Assembly election AND wins at least 2 seats
  2. Wins at least 3% of total seats in state Assembly (minimum 3 seats)
  3. Wins at least 1 Lok Sabha seat for every 25 seats allotted to the state
  4. Secures at least 8% of total votes in state in Lok Sabha OR Assembly elections

6.2 Major State Parties

Party State Symbol Key Features
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi, Punjab Broom (झाड़ू) Founded 2012, anti-corruption, rules Delhi & Punjab
Samajwadi Party (SP) Uttar Pradesh Bicycle OBC focus, founded by Mulayam Singh Yadav
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Bihar Lantern Founded by Lalu Prasad Yadav, OBC & minority support
Janata Dal (United) - JDU Bihar Arrow Led by Nitish Kumar, ally of BJP in NDA
Shiv Sena (UBT) Maharashtra Flaming Torch Founded 1966, Marathi identity, split in 2022
NCP (Sharad Pawar) Maharashtra Clock Founded 1999 by Sharad Pawar
DMK Tamil Nadu Rising Sun Dravidian party, social justice, anti-Hindi
AIADMK Tamil Nadu Two Leaves Founded by MG Ramachandran, Dravidian ideology
TMC West Bengal Flowers & Grass Founded 1998 by Mamata Banerjee, rules WB since 2011
TDP Andhra Pradesh Bicycle Founded by NT Rama Rao, Telugu identity
BRS (formerly TRS) Telangana Car Led Telangana statehood movement
BJD Odisha Conch Founded by Naveen Patnaik, ruled Odisha 2000-2024
SAD Punjab Scales Akali Dal, represents Sikh interests

7. ⚠️ Challenges to Political Parties

🚨 Major Challenges

Political parties face several challenges that reduce their effectiveness and public trust:

# Challenge Description
1 Lack of Internal Democracy Most parties don't hold regular internal elections. Power concentrated in top leaders or one family. Ordinary members have no say in decisions.
2 Dynastic Succession Top positions pass from one generation to next within same family. Merit ignored, family connection matters. Example: Many regional parties are family-controlled.
3 Money and Muscle Power Elections have become very expensive. Rich candidates or those with criminal connections have advantage. Corruption in funding.
4 Criminalization of Politics Many candidates have criminal cases against them. Parties give tickets based on "winnability" not clean record.
5 Lack of Meaningful Choice All parties often have similar policies on major issues. Voters may not have real alternatives on some issues.
6 Defection Elected members switch parties for power or money. Undermines voter choice. Anti-defection law has loopholes.

8. 🔧 Reforms in Political Parties

8.1 Reforms Already Implemented

Reform Description
Anti-Defection Law (1985) 10th Schedule - MLAs/MPs who defect can lose their seat. Reduced horse-trading but has loopholes.
Affidavit Requirement Candidates must declare property, criminal cases, educational qualifications. Increases transparency.
IT Returns Submission Parties must file income tax returns. Some financial accountability.
Election Commission Orders ECI can derecognize parties, has issued guidelines on internal elections.

8.2 Suggested Reforms

✅ Reforms That Can Help
  1. Regulate Internal Elections: Law requiring parties to hold regular, transparent internal elections
  2. State Funding of Elections: Government funds for parties to reduce dependence on rich donors
  3. Ban on Criminals: People with serious criminal charges should not be allowed to contest
  4. Women's Quota: Reserve certain percentage of tickets for women candidates
  5. RTI for Parties: Make political parties come under Right to Information Act
  6. Strengthen Anti-Defection: Close loopholes, make defection harder
  7. Transparent Funding: All donations above certain limit should be public
🤔 Role of Citizens

Ultimately, political parties will reform when citizens demand it. People should:

  • Vote for parties with clean candidates
  • Join political parties and work for change from within
  • Put pressure on parties through movements and media
  • Support honest candidates regardless of party

9. 📚 Important Terms (Glossary)

Political Party A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government, agreeing on policies to promote collective good.
Partisan A person who is strongly committed to a party, group, or faction. Partisanship means strong support for a party.
Ideology A set of beliefs, values, and ideas that guide a political party's policies and actions (e.g., socialism, liberalism, nationalism).
Multi-Party System A party system where several parties compete and more than two have a reasonable chance of coming to power, often leading to coalition governments.
Coalition An alliance of multiple political parties that come together to form a government when no single party has majority.
National Party A party recognized across India, meeting ECI criteria of votes and seats in multiple states. Gets reserved symbol nationwide.
State Party A party with significant presence in one or few states, meeting ECI criteria for that state. Also called Regional Party.
Defection When an elected representative leaves the party on whose ticket they were elected and joins another party.
Anti-Defection Law Law under 10th Schedule (1985) that disqualifies MPs/MLAs who defect from their party, with some exceptions.
Affidavit A written statement confirmed by oath, required from candidates declaring their assets, criminal record, and qualifications.

10. 📝 Practice MCQs (Board Exam Pattern)

Q1. How many National Parties are currently recognized in India?
✅ Answer: (C) 6
India has 6 national parties: BJP, INC, BSP, CPI, CPI(M), and NPP.
Q2. Which party has 'Lotus' as its election symbol?
✅ Answer: (B) BJP
Bharatiya Janata Party has Lotus (कमल) as its election symbol.
Q3. The Bahujan Samaj Party was founded by:
✅ Answer: (B) Kanshi Ram
BSP was founded by Kanshi Ram in 1984. Mayawati later became its leader.
Q4. Which is the oldest political party in India?
✅ Answer: (C) Indian National Congress
INC was founded in 1885, making it the oldest party in India.
Q5. What percentage of votes must a party secure to be recognized as a National Party?
✅ Answer: (B) 6% in 4 states
A party needs 6% votes in 4+ states and 4 Lok Sabha seats to be national party.
Q6. The Anti-Defection Law was passed in which year?
✅ Answer: (B) 1985
The Anti-Defection Law was added as the 10th Schedule through 52nd Amendment in 1985.
Q7. India has which type of party system?
✅ Answer: (C) Multi-party system
India has a multi-party system with several parties competing at national and state levels.
Q8. Which of the following is NOT a function of political parties?
✅ Answer: (C) Conduct census
Census is conducted by government (Registrar General), not by political parties.
Q9. The symbol of CPI(M) is:
✅ Answer: (B) Hammer, sickle and star
CPI(M) has hammer, sickle and star as symbol. CPI has ears of corn and sickle.
Q10. Dynastic succession in parties means:
✅ Answer: (B) Power passing within same family
Dynastic succession means top positions in party pass from one generation to next within same family.

11. ✍️ Important Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

Q1. What is a political party? Mention its three components.
Answer: 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 to promote collective good.

Three Components:
  1. Leaders: People who lead the party, make decisions, and hold offices
  2. Active Members: People actively involved in party activities and campaigns
  3. Followers/Supporters: General public who vote for the party and support its ideology
Q2. What are the conditions to become a National Party in India?
Answer: A party becomes a National Party if it meets ANY ONE of these conditions:

  1. Secures at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha/Assembly elections in 4 or more states AND wins at least 4 Lok Sabha seats
  2. Wins at least 2% of total Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from at least 3 different states
  3. Is recognized as State Party in at least 4 states
Currently, India has 6 national parties: BJP, INC, BSP, CPI, CPI(M), and NPP.
Q3. What is the difference between National and State parties?
Answer:

National Parties:
  • Have presence across India in multiple states
  • Must secure 6% votes in 4+ states with 4 Lok Sabha seats
  • Get same reserved symbol throughout India
  • Examples: BJP, Congress, BSP
State/Regional Parties:
  • Have strong presence only in one or few states
  • Must secure 6% votes and 2 seats in state Assembly
  • Get reserved symbol only in that state
  • Examples: TMC (Bengal), DMK (Tamil Nadu), SP (UP)
Q4. What are the major challenges faced by political parties?
Answer: Major challenges faced by political parties:

  1. Lack of Internal Democracy: No regular internal elections, power concentrated in few leaders
  2. Dynastic Succession: Top positions pass within same family, merit ignored
  3. Money and Muscle Power: Elections expensive, rich and powerful have advantage
  4. Criminalization: Many candidates have criminal cases
  5. Defection: Elected members switch parties for power
  6. Limited Choice: All parties often have similar policies
Q5. Why do we need political parties? Give any four reasons.
Answer: We need political parties because:

  1. Contest Elections: Parties field candidates and provide voters with choices
  2. Form Stable Government: Parties provide majority to form and run government
  3. Make Laws: Elected representatives make laws based on party programmes
  4. Role of Opposition: Parties not in power keep check on government, criticize wrong policies
  5. Shape Public Opinion: Parties raise issues and educate citizens about political matters
  6. Accountability: Party in power is held responsible for performance

12. 📖 Important Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

Q1. Describe the functions of political parties in a democracy.
Answer: Political parties perform several essential functions in a democracy:

1. Contest Elections:
  • Parties select candidates to fight elections
  • They campaign for their candidates
  • Provide voters with clear choices between different programmes
2. Put Forward Policies and Programmes:
  • Parties formulate policies on various issues
  • They present election manifestos to voters
  • Voters choose party whose policies they prefer
3. Make Laws:
  • Elected representatives debate laws in Parliament
  • They vote according to party position
  • Laws are made based on party's direction
4. Form and Run Governments:
  • Party winning majority forms government
  • Party leaders become ministers
  • They run the country according to party programme
5. Play Role of Opposition:
  • Parties that lose form opposition
  • They criticize government policies
  • Suggest alternatives and keep check on power
6. Shape Public Opinion:
  • Parties raise important issues
  • Launch movements on public matters
  • Educate citizens about political issues
7. Provide Access to Government:
  • Parties are the link between citizens and government
  • People approach local party leaders for help
  • This makes government more accessible
Q2. What are the various challenges faced by political parties? Suggest reforms to overcome them.
Answer:

CHALLENGES FACED BY POLITICAL PARTIES:

1. Lack of Internal Democracy:
  • Most parties don't hold regular internal elections
  • Power concentrated in top leaders or one family
  • Ordinary members have no say in decisions
2. Dynastic Succession:
  • Top positions pass within same family
  • Merit and hard work ignored
  • Family connection matters more than capability
3. Money and Muscle Power:
  • Elections have become very expensive
  • Rich candidates have advantage
  • Corruption in party funding
4. Criminalization of Politics:
  • Many candidates have criminal cases
  • Parties give tickets based on "winnability" not clean record
5. Defection:
  • Elected members switch parties for power
  • Undermines voter choice
SUGGESTED REFORMS:

1. Regulate Internal Democracy:
  • Law requiring parties to hold regular internal elections
  • ECI should monitor internal party elections
2. State Funding of Elections:
  • Government should partially fund party expenses
  • Reduce dependence on rich donors and corruption
3. Ban Criminals from Contesting:
  • People with serious criminal charges should not contest
  • Fast-track courts for cases against politicians
4. Women's Quota:
  • Reserve certain percentage of tickets for women
5. RTI for Parties:
  • Bring political parties under Right to Information Act
  • Make their functioning transparent
6. Transparent Funding:
  • All donations above certain limit should be public
  • Strict audit of party accounts
Q3. Describe any three National and three State parties of India with their symbols and ideology.
Answer:

THREE NATIONAL PARTIES:

1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):
  • Founded: 1980
  • Symbol: Lotus (कमल)
  • Ideology: Cultural nationalism, Hindutva, integral humanism
  • Features: Currently ruling party at Centre, largest party in India, pro-market economic policies, emphasis on national security
2. Indian National Congress (INC):
  • Founded: 1885 (oldest party)
  • Symbol: Hand (हाथ का पंजा)
  • Ideology: Secularism, social democracy, inclusive growth
  • Features: Led freedom movement, ruled India for most years post-independence, centrist-left policies
3. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP):
  • Founded: 1984 by Kanshi Ram
  • Symbol: Elephant (हाथी)
  • Ideology: Social justice, Ambedkarism, Bahujan movement
  • Features: Focus on Dalit empowerment, formed government in UP multiple times, led by Mayawati
THREE STATE PARTIES:

1. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP):
  • Founded: 2012
  • Symbol: Broom (झाड़ू)
  • Ideology: Anti-corruption, alternative politics
  • State: Delhi, Punjab
  • Features: Emerged from anti-corruption movement, rules Delhi and Punjab
2. Trinamool Congress (TMC):
  • Founded: 1998 by Mamata Banerjee
  • Symbol: Flowers and Grass
  • Ideology: Secularism, pro-poor, regional identity
  • State: West Bengal
  • Features: Rules West Bengal since 2011, ended 34-year Left rule
3. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK):
  • Founded: 1949
  • Symbol: Rising Sun
  • Ideology: Dravidian movement, social justice, rationalism
  • State: Tamil Nadu
  • Features: Strong Dravidian identity, anti-Hindi imposition, social reform focus
📚 Related Chapters & Resources
📘 Political Science Complete Notes - All Chapters ⬅️ Previous: Chapter 4 - Gender, Religion and Caste ➡️ Next: Chapter 6 - Outcomes of Democracy 🇮🇳 हिंदी में पढ़ें: राजनीतिक दल 📗 Chapter 1: Power Sharing 🏠 Class 10 All Subjects
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