NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Political Science Chapter 4 Political Parties
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 4 covers Meaning and Functions of Political Parties, Party Systems (One-party, Two-party, Multi-party), National and State Recognized Parties, Challenges to Political Parties, and Electoral Reforms.
Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)
1. Meaning & Key Functions of Political Parties
Short Note:
• Political Party: A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. It has three components: The Leaders, The Active Members, and The Followers.
• Key Functions: Contest elections, put forward policies and programmes, make laws, form and run governments, play the role of opposition, shape public opinion, and provide access to government machinery.
2. Party Systems: One-Party, Two-Party & Multi-Party
Short Note:
• One-Party System: Only one party is allowed to control and run the government (e.g., China). Not a democratic option.
• Two-Party System: Power alternates between two main parties (e.g., USA, UK).
• Multi-Party System: Several parties compete and have a reasonable chance of coming to power on their own or in coalition (e.g., India). Reflects political and social diversity.
3. National vs State Parties in India
Short Note:
• National Party Criteria: Secure at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in 4 states, AND win at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha.
• State (Regional) Party Criteria: Secure at least 6% of total votes in State Legislative Assembly election, AND win at least 2 seats in the State Assembly.
4. Challenges to Parties & Steps for Reform
Short Note:
• Key Challenges: Lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, growing influence of money and muscle power, and lack of meaningful choice for voters.
• Reforms Taken: Anti-Defection Law, mandatory affidavit of assets and criminal cases, mandatory organizational elections and IT returns for political parties.
Intext & Conceptual Questions
2. The Active Members: Work at ground level to organize meetings and promote party agendas.
3. The Followers: Voters and supporters who align with the party's ideology and vote for its candidates.
2. If an elected representative changes parties without fulfilling legal provisions, they lose their seat in the legislature.
3. This law was brought to curb political corruption and bring stability to governments.
Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions
1. Contesting Elections: Nominate candidates to compete for political office.
2. Formulating Policies: Present various policies and programs for voters to choose from.
3. Making Laws: Elected members play a decisive role in passing legislation in parliament and assemblies.
4. Forming and Running Government: Executive leaders are chosen from the ruling party to run state machinery.
5. Role of Opposition: Criticize wrong government policies and keep the ruling power in check.
1. Lack of Internal Democracy: Concentration of power in the hands of one or top few leaders.
2. Dynastic Succession: Top positions are often controlled by members of a single family.
3. Money and Muscle Power: Parties tend to nominate rich candidates or criminals who can win elections using wealth and force.
4. Lack of Meaningful Choice: Ideological differences among major parties have significantly reduced.
1. A law should be made to regulate internal affairs and force parties to hold regular organizational elections.
2. It should be mandatory to reserve at least one-third (33%) of candidate tickets for women.
3. State funding of elections should be introduced to reduce the role of money power.
4. People and civil society groups should put pressure on parties through petitions, publicity, and peaceful agitations.
Read More & Chapter Resources
These short notes are designed for quick revision. Read the main points once, then use the related material below to practise the same chapter. Revising a concept and checking it with questions can make your preparation more focused.