Class 10 Social Science Chapter 17 Political Parties (Civics) Notes

U N I Q U E S T U D Y P O I N T B Y S U M E E T S A H U Political Parties Political Parties Class X — Democratic Politics (Political Science) — Chapter 4 NCERT Comprehensive Notes 2025-26 Section 01 Overview Political parties are central to the working of democracy. This chapter examines why we need political parties , how many parties are good for a democracy , introduces the national and regional political parties in today's India , and then examines what is wrong with political parties and what can be done about it .

⭐ U S P K E Y P O I N TS Political parties are the most visible institutions in a democracy — for most citizens, democracy equals ⭐ political parties ⭐ A political party has three components: leaders, active members, and followers ⭐ Parties perform 7 key functions including contesting elections, forming governments, and shaping public opinion ⭐ India has a multiparty system with 750+ parties registered with Election Commission ⭐ Six recognised national parties (as per ECI notification 2023): AAP, BSP, BJP, CPI(M), INC, NPP ⭐ Four major challenges: lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, money & muscle power, and lack of meaningful choice ⭐ Reforms include anti-defection law, mandatory affidavits, organisational elections, and suggestions for state funding Section 02 Why Do We Need Political Parties?

Meaning of a Political Party Political Party 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. Since there can be different views on what is good for all, parties try to persuade people why their policies are better than others. They seek to implement these policies by winning popular support through elections. Parties Reflect Political Divisions Parties are about a part of the society and thus involve partisanship . A party is known by which part of society it stands for, which policies it supports, and whose interests it upholds.

Three Components of a Political Party file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 1/14 COMPONENT DESCRIPTION Top decision-makers who guide the party's direction, contest elections, and hold key

1. The Leaders positions

2. Active Dedicated workers who participate in party activities, campaigns, and organisational work Members

3. The Followers Supporters who vote for the party and identify with its ideology Necessity of Political Parties What If There Were No Parties? If political parties did not exist: (1) Every candidate would be independent — no one could promise major policy changes. (2) Government may form, but its utility would remain uncertain. (3) No one would be responsible for how the country is run. (4) Even in non-party panchayat elections, villages split into factions that function exactly like parties. The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies . Large societies need an agency to gather different views, bring representatives together, and create a mechanism to support or restrain the government. Political parties fulfil these needs. We can say that parties are a necessary condition for a democracy .

Section 03 Functions of Political Parties Political parties fill political offices and exercise political power by performing a series of important functions: # FUNCTION DETAILS Elections are fought mainly among candidates put up by parties. In USA, members 1 Contest Elections choose candidates; in India, top leaders choose candidates. Parties put forward different policies and voters choose from them. A party reduces a Policies & 2 vast multitude of opinions into a few basic positions. Government bases its policies on Programmes the ruling party's line.

Laws are debated and passed in the legislature. Since most members belong to a party, 3 Making Laws they follow the party leadership's direction, irrespective of personal opinions. Form & Run Big policy decisions are taken by political executive from political parties. Parties recruit 4 Governments leaders, train them, and make them ministers. Parties that lose elections voice different views, criticise government failures and wrong 5 Role of Opposition policies, and mobilise opposition. Shape Public Parties raise and highlight issues with lakhs of members and activists. Many pressure 6 Opinion groups are extensions of parties. Parties launch movements for resolution of problems.

Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes. For Access to 7 ordinary citizens, it is easier to approach a local party leader than a government Government officer. file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 2/14 Why Parties Are Necessary Despite Criticism Although political parties are among the least trusted institutions globally, party membership in India is higher than in advanced countries like Canada (6.1%), Japan (3.4%), Spain (1.3%), and South Korea (2.6%).

India's party membership stands at about 11.4%, and the proportion of people feeling "close to a party" has risen steadily from 38% (1971) to 48% (2005). Section 04 How Many Parties Should We Have? In a democracy, any group of citizens is free to form a political party. More than 750 parties are registered with the Election Commission of India. But only a handful are serious contenders. The question is: how many major or effective parties are good for a democracy? PARTY FEATURES EXAMPLES SYSTEM Only one party is allowed to control and run the government. Not One-Party China (only Communist Party a democratic option as it does not permit free competition for System rules) power.

Power usually changes between two main parties. Other parties USA (Democrats vs Two-Party may exist and win a few seats, but only two have a serious chance Republicans), UK (Labour vs System of forming government. Conservative) Several parties compete for power. More than two parties have a Multi-Party India (NDA, UPA, Left Front in reasonable chance of coming to power on their own or in System 2004 elections) alliance. Government formed by coalition. Alliance / Front When several parties in a multi-party system join hands for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power. Example: National Democratic Alliance (NDA), United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Left Front.

Which System Is Better? A party system is not something any country can choose . It evolves over a long time depending on the nature of society, its social and regional divisions, its history of politics, and its system of elections. India has evolved a multiparty system because the social and geographical diversity in such a large country is not easily absorbed by two or three parties. No system is ideal for all countries and all situations. Party Systems at State Level in India SYSTEM TYPE DESCRIPTION Power alternates mainly between two parties (e.g., some states with BJP vs Two-Party System Congress dominance) Multiparty with Two Multiple parties but grouped into two main alliances competing for power Alliances Multiparty System Several parties compete independently with shifting alliances file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 3/14 Section 05 National Parties Recognition Criteria by Election Commission How Parties Are Recognised Every party must register with the Election Commission. Recognised parties receive a unique election symbol and special facilities.

State Party: Secures at least 6% of total votes in State Assembly election AND wins at least 2 seats. National Party: Secures at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha elections OR Assembly elections in 4 States AND wins at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha. According to the Election Commission of India notification issued in 2023 , there are six recognised national parties in India. The NCERT textbook (Reprint 2025-26) lists seven including one additional party: 2019 LOK PARTY FOUNDED IDEOLO GY / KEY FEATURES SABHA Accountability, clean administration, transparency, good Aam Aadmi 26 Nov governance. Emerged from 2011 anti-corruption movement. 1 seat Party (AAP) 2012 Formed governments in Delhi and Punjab.

Founded by Kanshi Ram. Represents bahujan samaj — dalits, 3.63% Bahujan Samaj 1984 adivasis, OBCs, religious minorities. Inspired by Sahu Maharaj, votes, 10 Party (BSP) Mahatma Phule, Periyar, Ambedkar. Main base in UP. seats Revived from Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951, Syama Prasad Bharatiya 303 seats Mukherjee). Cultural nationalism (Hindutva), integral humanism Janata Party 1980 (largest (Deendayal Upadhyaya), Antyodaya. Leads NDA. Expanded from (BJP) party) north/west to all-India. Marxism-Leninism. Supports socialism, secularism, democracy.

CPI-Marxist 1.75% votes, 1964 Opposes imperialism and communalism. Strong in West Bengal, (CPI-M) 3 seats Kerala, Tripura. Was in power in West Bengal for 34 years. One of the oldest parties in the world. Centrist (neither rightist Indian nor leftist). Secularism, welfare of weaker sections. Led UPA 19.5% votes, National 1885 (2004-2019). Under Nehru, built modern secular democratic 52 seats Congress (INC) republic. National Founded by P.A. Sangma. First party from North-East India to get People's Party July 2013 national party status. Believes in diversity, education and 1 seat (NPP) employment for all. Formed government in Meghalaya.

file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 4/14 Key Party Details to Remember INC: Founded 1885 (oldest). Ruling party at centre till 1977, then 1980-89. After 1989 support declined. Centrist party. BJP: Founded 1980 from BJS (1951). Came to power 1998 as NDA leader. Won 303 seats in 2019. Currently leads NDA government. CPI(M): Founded 1964. Critical of new economic policies. 34 years in West Bengal without break. BSP: Founded 1984 by Kanshi Ram. Formed UP government several times with support of different parties.

AAP: Born from 2011 anti-corruption movement. Governments in Delhi and Punjab. NPP: First North-East party with national status. Government in Meghalaya. Section 06 State / Regional Parties Other than the national parties, most major parties are classified by the Election Commission as 'State parties' , commonly referred to as regional parties . However, these parties need not be regional in their ideology or outlook. Key Facts About State Parties Some state parties like Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal have national-level political organisation with units in several states. Others like Biju Janata Dal, Sikkim Democratic Front, Mizo National Front, and Telangana Rashtra Samithi are conscious about their state identity.

Growing Role of State Parties TREND DETAILS Over the last three decades, the number and strength of state parties has expanded, Expansion making Parliament politically more diverse No single national party could secure Lok Sabha majority on its own (until 2014), Coalition Era compelling national parties to form alliances with state parties Government Since 1996, nearly every state party has been part of one or other national-level coalition Participation government Impact This has contributed to the strengthening of federalism and democracy in India Notable State Parties Across India file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 5/14 REGION KEY STATE PARTIES North Samajwadi Party (1992 – UP), Rashtriya Lok Dal (1998 – UP), Indian National Lok Dal (1977 – India Haryana), Shiromani Akali Dal (1920 – Punjab) Rashtriya Janata Dal (1998 – Bihar), Janata Dal (U) (1999 – Bihar), Biju Janata Dal (1977 – Odisha), East India JMM (1973 – Jharkhand) West Shiv Sena (1966 – Maharashtra), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (2006), Goa Forward Party (2016) India South DMK (1949 – Tamil Nadu), AIADMK (1972 – Tamil Nadu), Telugu Desam Party (1982 – AP/Telangana), India YSR Congress (2011) North- Asom Gana Parishad (1985), Mizo National Front (1961), Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic East Front (1993) J&K J&K National Conference (1939), J&K National Panthers Party, J&K People's Democratic Party (1999) Kerala Kerala Congress (Mani) (1964), Indian Union Muslim League (1948), Janata Dal (Secular) (1999) Section 07 Challenges & Reforms Four Major Challenges Faced by Political Parties CHALLENGE DESCRIPTION IMPACT Power concentrated in one or few leaders. No Personal loyalty to leader becomes

1. Lack of membership registers, no regular organisational more important than loyalty to party Internal meetings, no internal elections. Ordinary members principles. Those who disagree find it Democracy lack information and means to influence decisions. difficult to continue. Since parties lack open and transparent procedures, Unfair to other members. People

2. Dynastic few ways for ordinary workers to rise to the top. without adequate experience or Succession Leaders favour people close to them or family popular support occupy positions of members. Top positions often controlled by one family. power. Bad for democracy. Parties focused on winning elections use short-cuts. Parties sometimes support criminals

3. Money and They nominate candidates who have or can raise lots who can win elections. Growing role Muscle Power of money. Rich people and companies who fund of rich people and big companies in parties influence policies. democratic politics. Decline in ideological differences among parties Voters wanting really different

4. Lack of worldwide. In Britain, Labour and Conservative differ policies have no option. Same Meaningful only in details. In India too, major parties' economic leaders keep shifting from one party Choice policies have converged. to another. Reform Efforts Already Taken file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 6/14 REFORM DETAILS LIMITATION Constitution amended to prevent elected Has helped bring defection down, but MLAs and MPs from changing parties. If an has also made dissent more difficult.

Anti-Defection Law MLA/MP changes parties, they lose their seat MPs/MLAs must accept whatever party in the legislature. leaders decide. Makes information available to public, Supreme Court order: every election Mandatory but no system to check if information is candidate must file an affidavit giving details Affidavit true. Impact on reducing criminal of property and criminal cases pending. influence unclear. Organisational Election Commission order: parties must hold Parties have started doing so, but Elections & IT organisational elections and file income tax sometimes it is mere formality. Impact Returns returns. on internal democracy unclear.

Reform Suggestions (Not Yet Accepted) Three Major Suggestions (1) Regulate Internal Affairs: Law to make it compulsory for parties to maintain member registers, follow their own constitution, have independent authority for disputes, and hold open elections to highest posts. (2) Women's Representation: Mandatory one-third tickets to women candidates. Quota for women in decision-making bodies of the party. (3) State Funding of Elections: Government to give parties money for election expenses — in kind (petrol, paper, telephone) or in cash based on votes secured in last election.

Two Other Ways to Reform Parties

1. Public Pressure: People can put pressure through petitions, publicity, and agitations. Citizens, pressure groups, movements, and media can play an important role. If parties feel they would lose public support, they become more serious about reforms.

2. Active Participation: Those who want reforms should join political parties. The quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation. The problem of bad politics can be solved by more and better politics . Section 08 Glossary of Key Terms Political Party Partisan A group of people who come together to contest A person strongly committed to a party, group, or elections and hold power in the government, agreeing on faction. Marked by tendency to take a side and inability policies to promote collective good. to take a balanced view.

Ruling Party Opposition Party The political party that runs the government after Party that loses elections and plays the role of criticising winning elections. government, voicing different views, and mobilising opposition. file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 7/14 Coalition Alliance / Front Government formed by various parties coming together When several parties join hands for contesting elections in a multiparty system. and winning power. Examples: NDA, UPA, Left Front.

Defection Affidavit Changing party allegiance from the party on which a A signed document submitted to an officer, where a person got elected (to a legislative body) to a different person makes a sworn statement regarding personal party. information (property, criminal cases). National Party State Party Party securing at least 6% votes in Lok Sabha or Party securing at least 6% votes in State Assembly Assembly elections in 4 states AND winning at least 4 Lok election AND winning at least 2 seats. Also called Sabha seats. regional party.

Section 09 Q & A, MCQs & Case Studies NCERT Exercise Questions with Answers

Q1 State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy. Political parties perform seven key functions: (1) Contest elections by putting up candidates. (2) Present different policies and programmes for voters to choose from. (3) Play a decisive role in making laws — members follow party direction in legislature. (4) Form and run governments — recruit, train leaders, make them ministers. (5) Play the role of opposition by criticising government and mobilising dissent. (6) Shape public opinion by raising issues and launching movements. (7) Provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes.

Q2 What are the various challenges faced by political parties? Political parties face four major challenges: (1) Lack of internal democracy — power concentrated in one or few leaders, no regular internal elections, ordinary members lack information and influence. (2) Dynastic succession — top positions controlled by one family, no transparent procedures for ordinary workers to rise. (3) Growing role of money and muscle power — parties nominate candidates who can raise money or win by any means, sometimes supporting criminals. (4) Lack of meaningful choice — declining ideological differences among parties, same leaders shifting between parties.

Q3 Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well. Several reforms have been implemented and more have been suggested: Already implemented:
(a) Anti- defection law prevents MLAs/MPs from switching parties.
(b) Supreme Court mandated affidavits disclosing property and criminal cases.
(c) Election Commission requires organisational elections and income tax filing. Suggested reforms:
(a) Law to regulate internal affairs — member registers, own constitution, independent dispute authority, open elections.
(b) Mandatory one-third tickets to women and quota in decision-making bodies.

(c) State funding of elections in kind or cash. Other ways:
(a) Public pressure through petitions, publicity, agitations by citizens, pressure groups, and media.
(b) Active participation — people who want reforms should join political parties. file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 8/14

Q4 What is a 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 some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote the collective good. They try to persuade people that their policies are better than others and seek to implement them by winning popular support through elections.

Q5 What are the characteristics of a political party? The key characteristics of a political party are: (1) It is a group of people who agree on policies and programmes. (2) It aims to contest elections and hold power in government. (3) It seeks to promote the collective good of society. (4) It has three components — leaders, active members, and followers. (5) It reflects fundamental political divisions in society and involves partisanship. (6) It is known by which part of society it stands for, which policies it supports, and whose interests it upholds.

Additional Short Answer Questions

Q6 Explain the criteria for recognition as a national party and a state party. National Party: Must secure at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four states AND win at least four seats in the Lok Sabha. State Party: Must secure at least 6% of total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a state AND win at least two seats. Recognised parties get a unique election symbol that only their official candidates can use.

Q7 Why has India evolved a multiparty system? India has evolved a multiparty system because the social and geographical diversity in such a large country is not easily absorbed by two or even three parties. The country has multiple religions, castes, languages, and regional identities. Each country develops a party system conditioned by its special circumstances. India's diversity naturally led to the formation of numerous parties representing different interests. In 2004, there were three major alliances — NDA, UPA, and Left Front — showing how coalition politics accommodates this diversity.

Q8 How does the anti-defection law work? What is its limitation? The Constitution was amended to prevent elected MLAs and MPs from changing parties. If any MLA or MP changes parties, they will lose their seat in the legislature. This was done because many elected representatives were indulging in defection to become ministers or for cash rewards. Limitation: While the law has helped bring defection down, it has also made dissent more difficult. MPs and MLAs now have to accept whatever the party leaders decide, even if they disagree, since opposing the party line could be treated as defection.

Q9 Describe the ideology of BJP and INC. BJP: Founded in 1980, reviving the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951). Draws inspiration from India's ancient culture and values, and Deendayal Upadhyaya's ideas of integral humanism and Antyodaya. Cultural nationalism (Hindutva) is an important element. Wants full integration of J&K, uniform civil code, and ban on religious conversions. Leads the NDA. INC: Founded in 1885, one of the oldest parties in the world. A centrist party (neither rightist nor leftist). Under Nehru, sought to build a modern secular democratic republic. Espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities. Supports new economic reforms with a human face. Led the UPA from 2004 to 2019.

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Q10 Why do we say that political parties are a necessary condition for democracy? Political parties are necessary because: (1) Without parties, every candidate would be independent and unable to promise major policy changes. (2) No one would be responsible for how the country is run. (3) Parties gather different views and present them to government. (4) They bring representatives together to form responsible governments. (5) They provide a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them. (6) Even in non-party panchayat elections, factions naturally emerge that function like parties. The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q6 (NCERT). A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a __________. ✅ Answer: Political Party

Q7 (NCERT). Match List I with List II: List I: 1. Congress Party, 2. BJP, 3. CPI(M), 4. Telugu Desam Party List II: A. NDA, B. State party, C. UPA, D. Left Front
(a) C, A, B, D
(b) C, D, A, B
(c) C, A, D, B
(d) D, C, A, B ✅ Answer:
(c) 1 → C (UPA), 2 → A (NDA), 3 → D (Left Front), 4 → B (State party)

Q8 (NCERT). Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party? A. Kanshi Ram B. Sahu Maharaj C. B.R. Ambedkar D. Jotiba Phule ✅ Answer: A. Kanshi Ram

Q9 (NCERT). What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party? A. Bahujan Samaj B. Revolutionary democracy C. Integral humanism D. Modernity ✅ Answer: C. Integral humanism

Q10 (NCERT). Consider the following statements on parties: A. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people. B. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders. C. Parties are not necessary to run governments. Which are correct?
(a) A, B, and C
(b) A and B
(c) B and C
(d) A and C ✅ Answer:
(b) A and B. Statement C is incorrect — parties ARE necessary for running governments.

Q11. How many parties are registered with the Election Commission of India? A. More than 500 B. More than 750 C. More than 100 D. Exactly 6 ✅ Answer: B. More than 750 file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 10/14

Q12. Which country is an example of a one-party system? A. India B. United Kingdom C. China D. USA ✅ Answer: C. China (only Communist Party allowed to rule)

Q13. Which party is the first from North-East India to get national party status? A. Mizo National Front B. Asom Gana Parishad C. National People's Party (NPP) D. Bodoland People's Front ✅ Answer: C. National People's Party (NPP), founded by P.A. Sangma

Q14. When was the Indian National Congress founded? A. 1947 B. 1885 C. 1920 D. 1951 ✅ Answer: B. 1885 — one of the oldest parties in the world

Q15. What is 'defection' in the context of political parties? A. Forming a new party B. Changing party allegiance after getting elected C. Contesting as independent D. Criticising the ruling party ✅ Answer: B. Changing party allegiance from the party on which a person got elected to a different party

Q16. To be recognised as a national party, a party must win at least how many seats in the Lok Sabha? A. 2 seats B. 4 seats C. 6 seats D. 10 seats ✅ Answer: B. 4 seats (along with 6% votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in 4 states)

Q17. Which of the following is NOT a challenge to political parties? A. Lack of internal democracy B. Dynastic succession C. Contesting elections D. Money and muscle power ✅ Answer: C. Contesting elections is a function of parties, not a challenge Case-Based Questions file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 11/14 📋 Case Study 1: Muhammad Yunus & Nagarik Shakti Muhammad Yunus, a famous economist of Bangladesh, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 along with Grameen Bank. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party called Nagarik Shakti (Citizens' Power) to contest parliamentary elections. His objective was to foster proper leadership, good governance, and build a new Bangladesh. While many welcomed his decision, leaders of traditional parties were apprehensive, questioning whether an outsider could handle politics.

1. Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party?

2. How would you want this new party organised to be different from others? Suggested Answer: Yunus's decision was right because existing parties lacked clean governance. A new party could bring fresh perspectives and raise public expectations. The party should be organised with transparent internal elections, no dynastic succession, regular audits, grassroots democratic decision- making, mandatory women representation, and a focus on anti-corruption measures — addressing all four challenges identified in the chapter.

📋 Case Study 2: The Coalition Dilemma In the 2004 parliamentary elections in India, three major alliances competed — the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), and the Left Front. No single party could win a majority on its own. The UPA, led by INC, came to power with the support of the Left Front and other parties. State parties like DMK, NCP, and RJD played crucial roles in government formation.

1. What type of party system does this example illustrate?

2. How has the coalition era strengthened federalism?

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a multiparty system?

Answers: (1) This illustrates a multiparty system with alliances/coalitions. (2) State parties getting

opportunities in national coalition governments since 1996 has given states a stronger voice in national politics, strengthening federalism and democracy. (3) Advantages: Allows variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation, gives voice to regional concerns. Disadvantages: Can appear messy, may lead to political instability, complex coalition management. file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 12/14 📋 Case Study 3: Reforming Political Parties The Supreme Court of India passed an order making it mandatory for every candidate contesting elections to file an affidavit giving details of property and criminal cases pending. The Election Commission also ordered parties to hold organisational elections and file income tax returns. Despite these measures, many citizens feel that political parties have not changed enough. Some suggest state funding of elections, while others argue that over-regulation could be counter-productive.

1. What was the purpose of the Supreme Court's order on affidavits?

2. Why might over-regulation of political parties be counter-productive?

3. What other ways can citizens contribute to reforming political parties?

Answers: (1) The purpose was to reduce the influence of money and criminals in elections by making

information about candidates' wealth and criminal background available to voters. (2) Over-regulation could force parties to find ways to cheat the law, and parties themselves would not agree to pass laws they don't like. Legal solutions alone cannot solve political problems. (3) Citizens can:
(a) Put pressure through petitions, publicity, and agitations.
(b) Join political parties to improve them from within. The quality of democracy depends on public participation — bad politics can be solved by more and better politics.

🎯 Exam Preparation Tips 🎯 Memorise the 7 functions of political parties — a frequently asked 5-mark question 🎯 Remember the 4 challenges: Internal Democracy, Dynastic Succession, Money & Muscle Power, Lack of Meaningful Choice 🎯 Know all 6 national parties with their founding year, founder/ideology, and 2019 Lok Sabha performance 🎯 Learn the recognition criteria: National Party = 6% votes in 4 states + 4 Lok Sabha seats; State Party = 6% votes + 2 Assembly seats 🎯 Three party systems: One-Party (China), Two-Party (USA, UK), Multi-Party (India) — with examples 🎯 Three reform efforts already taken: Anti-defection law, mandatory affidavits (Supreme Court), organisational elections (EC) 🎯 Three reform suggestions: Regulate internal affairs, one-third women tickets, state funding of elections 🎯 Key data: 750+ parties registered, India party membership 11.4%, INC founded 1885, BJP founded 1980, BSP by Kanshi Ram 1984 🎯 NCERT MCQs Q6–Q10 are directly from exercises — practice the matching question (Congress → UPA, BJP → NDA, CPI(M) → Left Front, TDP → State party) 🎯 For case-based questions, focus on Muhammad Yunus passage (Q11 NCERT) and coalition politics scenarios 📞 Contact for classes VI–XII (Maths, Science, SSt) "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 13/14 📄 Print to PDF: Ctrl+P → Save as PDF → Margins: Minimum → Background graphics: ON file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/Class_X_Political_Parties_Notes_USP.html 14/14