Political Parties - Long Answer Questions
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies/programmes.
The Leaders, The Active Members, and The Followers.
A tendency to take a side and inability to take a balanced view on an issue. A person strongly committed to a party is a partisan.
1. Contest elections. 2. Put forward policies. 3. Make laws. 4. Form and run government. 5. Play role of opposition. 6. Shape public opinion.
Only one party is allowed to control and run the government. (e.g., China - Communist Party). Not democratic.
Power usually changes between two main parties. (e.g., USA - Democrats/Republicans, UK - Labour/Conservative).
More than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on own or alliance. (e.g., India). Messy but represents diversity.
A party that secures at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha elections (or Assembly in 4 states) AND wins at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha. (e.g., BJP, Congress).
A party that secures at least 6% of total votes in State Assembly AND wins at least 2 seats. (e.g., SP, Akali Dal).
1. Lack of internal democracy. 2. Dynastic succession. 3. Money and muscle power. 4. Lack of meaningful choice.
Changing party allegiance from the party on which a person got elected to a different party. Anti-Defection Law prevents this.
A signed document submitted to an officer making a sworn statement regarding assets/criminal cases. Made mandatory by SC.
1. State funding of elections. 2. Internal elections mandatory. 3. Reservation for women (1/3rd). 4. Ban on criminals.
Criticize govt for failures or wrong policies. Mobilize opposition to govt.
Registers parties and allots symbols.
As per NCERT (old data): 7. (INC, BJP, BSP, CPI, CPI-M, NCP, AITC). Updated list varies.
Cultural nationalism (Hindutva), integration of J&K, Uniform Civil Code.
Centrist, Secularism, Welfare of weaker sections.
Interests of Bahujan Samaj (Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs). Inspired by Ambedkar/Phule.
When several parties join hands for contesting elections. (NDA, UPA, Left Front).
Political Parties - Important Facts
Election Commission registers parties.
National Parties have a standard symbol across country.
INC founded in 1885.
BJP founded in 1980 (from Jana Sangh).
CPI founded in 1925.
CPI(M) split from CPI in 1964.
BSP founded in 1984 (Kanshi Ram).
NCP formed in 1999 (split from Congress).
AITC (Trinamool) formed in 1998 (Mamata Banerjee).
Left Front rules Kerala.
Regional parties strengthened federalism.
Anti-Defection Law: MLA/MP loses seat if they defect.
Berlusconi (Italy) owned TV channels (Money power).
Dynastic succession is global problem.
More than 750 parties registered in India.
Only a handful are effective.
Political Parties - Important Dates/Terms
INC founded
BJP founded
BSP founded