NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 4 | How Many Parties Should We Have?

Topic & sub-topics covered: “How Many Parties Should We Have?” and MCQs Questions: Political Parties (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 10th about “How Many Parties Should We Have?” from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 10th chapter 4 “Political Parties“.

Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 10 Chapter 4 Political Parties PDF Notes

NCERT Civics (Political Science) Class 10th Chapter 4 Political Parties Notes & MCQ’s Question-Answer

Get comprehensive insights into the function of political parties with our Class 10 Political Science (Civics) Chapter 4 Political Parties PDF Notes. This chapter explains the role of political parties in a democracy, political parties structure, and their impact on governance.

The notes cover all important topics, such as the necessity of political parties, their classification, and the challenges parties face in India. They are prepared according to the CBSE syllabus. These notes simplify concepts and provide easy-to-understand notes with different examples to help you prepare for your board/school exams.

Download the PDF now to prepare for your Class 10 Civics exam and enhance your understanding of political parties!

How Many Parties Should We Have?

1. Formation of Political Parties in Democracies:

• Freedom to Form Parties: Any group of citizens can form a political party in a democracy.
• Number of Parties: India has over 750 registered political parties, but only a few are serious contenders in elections.

2. Types of Party Systems:

• One-Party System:
  a. Only one party controls and runs the government.
  b. Example: China, where the Communist Party rules without free competition.
  c. Not Democratic: One-party systems do not allow fair competition, making them undemocratic.
• Two-Party System:
  a. Power alternates between two main parties.
  b. Other parties may contest but rarely win a majority.
  c. Examples: United States (Democrats and Republicans), United Kingdom (Labour and Conservative).

• Multiparty System:
  a. Several parties compete for power, and more than two have a reasonable chance of forming a government.
  b. Governments are often formed through coalitions or alliances.
  c. Example: India, with alliances like the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), United Progressive Alliance (UPA), and the Left Front.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiparty Systems:

• Advantages:
  a. Provides political representation for diverse interests and opinions.
  b. Suited for socially and geographically diverse countries like India.

• Disadvantages:
  a. It can appear chaotic and lead to political instability.

4. Evolution of Party Systems:

• Party systems are shaped by:
  a. The nature of society and its social and regional divisions.
  b. The historical context of politics.
  c. The electoral system is in place.

• Not Easily Changed: Party systems evolve over time and are unique to each country’s circumstances.

5. Key Takeaways:

• No Universal Ideal System: No party system is perfect for all countries or situations.
• India’s Multiparty System: Reflects its social and geographical diversity, which cannot be represented by just two or three parties.

Extra:

Popular Participation in Political Parties

1. Crisis of Popularity:

• Political parties are often perceived as unpopular, with citizens appearing indifferent to them.

2. Trust in Political Parties:

• Low Trust in South Asia:
  a. Surveys reveal that most people in South Asia do not trust political parties.
  b. The proportion of people with ‘not much’ or ‘no trust at all’ is higher than those with ‘some’ or ‘great trust.’
• Global Trend: Political parties are among the least trusted institutions worldwide.

3. Participation in Political Party Activities:

• Despite low trust, participation in political party activities is high in India.

• Membership Comparison: India has a higher proportion of political party members than many advanced countries such as Canada, Japan, Spain, and South Korea.

4. Rising Political Engagement in India:

• Over the last three decades:
  a. Membership in political parties has steadily increased in India.
  b. The proportion of people who feel ‘close to a political party’ has also risen.

5. Key Takeaways:

• While political parties face trust issues globally, India demonstrates relatively high levels of engagement and increasing affinity towards political parties over time.

National Parties

1. Political Parties in Federal Democracies:

• Democracies with federal systems typically have two types of political parties:
  a. Regional Parties: Present in only one federal unit.
  b. National Parties: Present in several or all federal units, following common policies and strategies at the national level.

2. Recognition of Political Parties in India:

• Registration with the Election Commission: All political parties in India must register with the Election Commission.
• Recognised Political Parties: Large and established parties receive special privileges, including unique election symbols.

• Criteria for Recognition:
  a. State Party:
  I. Secures at least 6% of votes in a Legislative Assembly election.
  II. Wins at least 2 seats.
  b. National Party:
  I. Secures at least 6% of votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four states.
  II. Wins at least 4 Lok Sabha seats.

3. Major National Parties in India (2023):

3.1. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP):

• Formation: November 26, 2012, inspired by the anti-corruption movement.
• Ideology: Accountability, clean administration, transparency, and good governance.
• Achievements:
  a. Formed governments in Punjab and Delhi.
  b. Emerged as a third front in Gujarat politics (2022).
  c. Secured one Lok Sabha seat in 2019.

3.2. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP):

• Formation: 1984 by Kanshi Ram.
• Ideology: Represents Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, and minorities. Inspired by Babasaheb Ambedkar and others.
• Presence: Strong in Uttar Pradesh and nearby states.
• Achievements: Formed government in Uttar Pradesh multiple times. Secured 10 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.

3.3. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):

• Formation: 1980, rooted in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951).
• Ideology: Cultural nationalism, Hindutva, integral humanism, and Antyodaya.
• Achievements:
  a. Expanded support nationwide.
  b. Emerged as the largest party in the 2019 Lok Sabha with 303 seats.
  c. Leads the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

3.4. Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M):

• Formation: 1964.
• Ideology: Marxism-Leninism, socialism, secularism, and democracy.
• Achievements:
  a. Strong base in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura.
  b. Held uninterrupted power in West Bengal for 34 years.
  c. Secured 3 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.

3.5. Indian National Congress (INC):

• Formation: 1885.
• Ideology: Secularism, centrist policies, and welfare of weaker sections.
• Achievements:
  a. Played a pivotal role post-independence.
  b. Leader of the UPA government from 2004–2019.
  c. Secured 52 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.

3.6. National People’s Party (NPP):

• Formation: July 2013 by P.A. Sangma.
• Ideology: Focuses on diversity, education, and employment.
• Achievements:
  a. Formed government in Meghalaya.
  b. Secured one Lok Sabha seat in 2019.

4. Key Insights on Party Systems:

• Party systems in federal democracies evolve based on historical, social, and geographical factors.
• India’s multi-party system reflects its social and regional diversity, accommodating a wide range of interests.

State Parties

1. Definition and Nature of State Parties:

• Classification: Most major parties in India are classified as State parties by the Election Commission.
• Common Terminology: Also referred to as regional parties.
• Characteristics:
  a. Not necessarily regional in ideology or outlook.
  b. Some function as national-level organizations but succeed in specific states.

2. Examples of State Parties:

• All-India Presence but State Success:
  a. Samajwadi Party (SP)
  b. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
• State-Focused Identity:
  a. Biju Janata Dal (BJD): Odisha.
  b. Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF): Sikkim.
  c. Mizo National Front (MNF): Mizoram.
  d. Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS): Telangana.

3. Expansion of State Parties:

• Over the last three decades:
  a. Increase in the number and strength of State parties.
  b. Resulted in greater political diversity in the Indian Parliament.

4. Role of State Parties in National Politics:

• Before 2014:
  a. No single national party could secure a majority in Lok Sabha independently.
  b. National parties formed alliances with State parties to form governments.
• Post-1996:
  a. Nearly all State parties have participated in coalition governments at the national level.

5. Contributions of State Parties:

• Strengthened the principles of federalism.
• Enhanced the functioning of democracy by increasing representation and diversity in governance.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 4: Political Parties

Topics No.	Topics Name
1	Why Do We Need Political Parties?
2	How Many Parties Should We Have?
3	Challenges To Political Parties
4	How Can Parties Be Reformed?

MCQs on NCERT Civics Class 10 Chapter 4 Tpoic – How Many Parties Should We Have?

Here are top exam oriented mcq’s type questions on “How Many Parties Should We Have?” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. How many political parties are registered with the Election Commission of India?

a) 500
b) 650
c) 750
d) 800

Answer: c) 750

Question 2. What type of political system allows only one party to rule?

a) Multiparty system
b) One-party system
c) Two-party system
d) Coalition system

Answer: b) One-party system

Question 3. Which country is an example of a one-party system?

a) India
b) China
c) United States
d) United Kingdom

Answer: b) China

Question 4. Why is the one-party system not considered a democratic option?

a) It allows multiple parties to compete in elections.
b) It does not permit free competition for power.
c) It ensures fair representation of all groups.
d) It allows too many parties to form coalitions.

Answer: b) It does not permit free competition for power.

Question 5. In a two-party system, how does power typically change?

a) Among multiple alliances
b) Between two main parties
c) Among various regional parties
d) Through direct democracy

Answer: b) Between two main parties

Question 6. Which of the following countries follows a two-party system?

a) India and China
b) United States and United Kingdom
c) Canada and Japan
d) Germany and Italy

Answer: b) United States and United Kingdom

Question 7. What is a defining characteristic of a multiparty system?

a) Power changes only between two main parties.
b) Several parties have a reasonable chance of forming a government.
c) Only one party is allowed to contest elections.
d) It eliminates the need for alliances.

Answer: b) Several parties have a reasonable chance of forming a government.

Question 8. What is a coalition in a multiparty system?

a) A single-party rule
b) A group of voters forming a union
c) Several parties joining hands to contest elections
d) An independent candidate contesting elections

Answer: c) Several parties joining hands to contest elections

Question 9. Which of the following is an example of an alliance in India?

a) National Democratic Alliance
b) Left Front
c) United Progressive Alliance
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Question 10. Why does India follow a multiparty system?

a) Because of its social and geographical diversity
b) To ensure a one-party dominance
c) Due to lack of political competition
d) To align with global trends

Answer: a) Because of its social and geographical diversity

Question 11. What is the main drawback of a multiparty system?

a) Lack of political stability
b) Limited representation of interests
c) Lack of regional diversity
d) Reduced political participation

Answer: a) Lack of political stability

Question 12. What determines the party system in a country?

a) The choice of the ruling party
b) The country’s social and historical context
c) International influences
d) The size of its population

Answer: b) The country’s social and historical context

Question 13. Which of the following statements about political parties in South Asia is true?

a) They enjoy high levels of trust among people.
b) They are one of the least trusted institutions.
c) They face no participation crisis.
d) They are highly organized in all countries.

Answer: b) They are one of the least trusted institutions.

Question 14. Which country has shown higher membership in political parties compared to Canada and Japan?

a) South Korea
b) India
c) Spain
d) China

Answer: b) India

Question 15. What trend has been observed in India over the last three decades regarding political parties?

a) Decrease in membership levels
b) Decline in trust towards parties
c) Increase in the proportion of members and closeness to parties
d) No significant change

Answer: c) Increase in the proportion of members and closeness to parties

Question 16. What distinguishes a national party from a state party in India?

a) The presence of only one federal unit
b) Securing 6% votes in at least four states in Lok Sabha elections
c) Limited influence in local governance
d) The ability to form a coalition

Answer: b) Securing 6% votes in at least four states in Lok Sabha elections

Question 17. Which of these parties was founded on anti-corruption principles in India?

a) BJP
b) AAP
c) INC
d) BSP

Answer: b) AAP

Question 18. The BSP primarily represents which group?

a) Upper-caste elites
b) Dalits, adivasis, OBCs, and minorities
c) Industrialists and businessmen
d) International organizations

Answer: b) Dalits, adivasis, OBCs, and minorities

Question 19. Which party is known for its principle of ‘integral humanism’?

a) BJP
b) CPI(M)
c) INC
d) BSP

Answer: a) BJP

Question 20. Which party formed the UPA government from 2004 to 2019?

a) BJP
b) INC
c) CPI(M)
d) BSP

Answer: b) INC

Question 21. What is the significance of state parties in India’s federal democracy?

a) They eliminate the need for national parties.
b) They strengthen federalism by participating in coalition governments.
c) They ensure single-party dominance.
d) They reduce political representation.

Answer: b) They strengthen federalism by participating in coalition governments.

Question 22. Which state party is known for its focus on state identity?

a) Rashtriya Janata Dal
b) Biju Janata Dal
c) Samajwadi Party
d) Communist Party of India

Answer: b) Biju Janata Dal

Question 23. What percentage of votes must a party secure to be recognized as a state party?

a) 4%
b) 5%
c) 6%
d) 7%

Answer: c) 6%