Political Parties — RBSE Class 10 (Civics / Political Science)
Every time you hear about an election, you hear about parties. Why can't we just vote for good individuals and skip parties altogether? Because in a large democracy, parties are the machinery that organises choices, forms governments and holds them accountable. This chapter explains what parties do — and how to fix what's wrong with them.
1. What is a political party?
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government. Members agree on some policies and programmes for the society's collective good. A party has three components:
- The leaders — who contest elections and run government.
- The active members — who work for the party.
- The followers/supporters — who believe in its ideology and vote for it.
2. Functions of political parties
- Contest elections — put up candidates.
- Put forward policies and programmes — voters choose between them.
- Make laws — parties in the legislature pass laws.
- Form and run governments — the majority party/coalition forms the executive.
- Play the role of Opposition — losing parties check the government and voice criticism.
- Shape public opinion — raise and highlight issues.
- Provide access — link citizens to government machinery and welfare schemes.
Why we need parties: without them, every candidate would be independent, no one could promise policy to the people, and no one would be responsible for how the country is run. Parties make representative democracy work.
3. Party systems
- One-party system — only one party is allowed (e.g. China) — not democratic.
- Two-party system — power usually alternates between two major parties (e.g. USA, UK).
- Multi-party system — several parties compete; governments are often formed by alliances/coalitions (e.g. India). It looks messy but allows a variety of interests and regions to be represented.
India has a multi-party system, which suits its huge social and geographic diversity.
4. Parties in India
- National parties — recognised in several states, meeting the Election Commission's criteria (e.g. share of votes/seats). Examples include the major all-India parties.
- State (regional) parties — strong in particular states, reflecting regional aspirations. Their growth has made India's democracy more federal and inclusive, and given rise to coalition politics.
5. Challenges and reforms
Challenges parties face:
- Lack of internal democracy — power concentrated in a few leaders; ordinary members have little say.
- Dynastic succession — top posts controlled by one family.
- Money and muscle power — funding and criminalisation distort elections.
- No meaningful choice — parties sometimes offer little ideological difference.
Reforms to strengthen parties:
- A law regulating parties' internal affairs (register members, hold organisational elections, maintain accounts).
- Reservation for women in party tickets.
- State funding of elections in kind (some support to candidates).
- Citizen pressure, media and public opinion — and voters themselves demanding better.
6. Closing thought
Political parties are indispensable to democracy — they contest elections, form governments and give voters real choices — yet they suffer from weak internal democracy, dynasty and money power. Learn the functions, the three party systems, national vs state parties, and the challenges with reforms. In the RBSE board this chapter reliably gives functions and challenges/reforms questions worth 5–6 marks.
