Political Parties Chapter Notes | Civics Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

Introduction 

•  Imagine a lively democracy where many different voices come together to shape the future of the nation! 
• Political parties are the core of this system, functioning as organized groups of people with shared beliefs who work together to influence the nation's policies. 
•  In this chapter, we will explore the exciting world of political parties, looking at their key features, goals, types, and the roles they play in India. 
•  You will learn about major national parties like the Indian National Congress and influential regional parties such as the Trinamool Congress. 
•  Discover how these parties bring people together, tackle important issues, and impact governance. 
•  Get ready to see the important role that political parties have in helping democracy succeed!

Basic Characteristics of Political Parties

• Unity: Political parties form when members share similar views on key issues and policies, working together as a united team.
• Organised System of Working: Parties follow specific rules and regulations to ensure discipline and smooth functioning within the organization.
• Constitutional Means: In India, political parties operate within the democratic and constitutional framework, adhering to legal guidelines.
• Objectives: Each party has clear aims, such as the Marxist party focusing on uplifting the downtrodden sections of society.
• National Interest: Parties aim to promote and protect national interests while addressing non-sectarian issues that benefit the country as a whole.

Objectives of Political Parties

• Forming Government: Parties aim to gain power by winning elections to form the government and implement their policies.
• Safeguarding National Interests: They promote national welfare through their programs and ideologies.
• Scrutinizing Policies: Opposition parties monitor and critique the ruling party's policies to ensure accountability.
• Providing Leadership: Parties produce leaders capable of guiding the nation toward development.
• Uniting Masses: They create a common platform to bring together people divided by religion, culture, or social differences.

Types of Political Parties

• National Political Parties: These parties operate across the country and are recognized in four or more states.
• Regional Political Parties: These parties function primarily at the state level and are recognized in fewer than four states.

National Political Parties

Definition: A party recognized by the Election Commission in four or more states with a nationwide presence.
Recognition Criteria:

• Secures at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha elections.
• Secures at least 6% of total votes in Assembly elections in at least four states.
• Wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha.
• Has candidates elected from at least 2% of total parliamentary constituencies in at least three states.

Recognized National Parties:

• Indian National Congress (INC)
• Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP)
• Communist Party of India (CPI)
• Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
• Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

Importance of National Parties

• National Presence: They operate across multiple states, addressing national issues and forming the central government.
• Government Formation: They can form the government at the center by securing a majority or through coalitions.
• Focus on National Issues: They prioritize issues that affect the entire country, ensuring a broad perspective.
• Example: The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) focuses on cultural nationalism and national integration, influencing policies like the uniform civil code to promote unity across diverse communities.

Regional Parties

• Definition: Parties recognized in fewer than four states, operating primarily at the state level.
• Recognition Criteria:
  • Secures at least 6% of total votes in a state’s Legislative Assembly election.
  • Wins at least one seat in the Lok Sabha from the state in general elections.

Differences between National and Regional Parties

Importance of Regional Parties

• Regional Focus: They address state-specific problems and issues, ensuring local concerns are heard.
• Representation: They highlight regional issues in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, influencing national policies.
• Support to National Parties: They provide support to national parties, contributing to stable central governance.
• Opposition Role: When not in government, they act as opposition, holding the ruling party accountable.
• Example: The Trinamool Congress in West Bengal focuses on regional development, advocating for state-specific issues like industrial growth and cultural preservation in national forums.

Role of Political Parties

• Link Between People and Government: They connect citizens with the government, representing public interests.
• Election-Related Functions:
  • Participate in elections, addressing major social, economic, and political issues.
  • Select suitable candidates to contest elections.
  • Campaign through rallies, public meetings, and processions to promote policies and candidates.
  • Party workers gain public support and cooperation for the party.
• Good Governance: After forming the government, parties ensure effective administration at the state or central level.
• Providing Alternatives: They offer voters different choices during elections, allowing change if the ruling party underperforms.
• Uniting the Nation: They integrate diverse classes, interest groups, and regions, reducing social and geographical divides.
• Social Progress: They plan and promote changes for societal improvement and development.

Nationalist Parties in India

State Parties in India

Major State Parties:

• Samajwadi Party (Uttar Pradesh)
• Bahujan Samaj Party (Uttar Pradesh)
• Rashtriya Janta Dal (Bihar)
• Trinamool Congress (West Bengal)
• Biju Janta Dal (Odisha)
• Sikkim Democratic Front (Sikkim)
• Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (Jammu and Kashmir)
• People's Democratic Party (Jammu and Kashmir)
• Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Tamil Nadu)
• All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Tamil Nadu)
• Telugu Desam Party (Andhra Pradesh)
• Shiv Sena (Maharashtra)
• Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (Maharashtra)