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I. Chapter Summary

This chapter explains the significance of political parties in a democratic system. It discusses the functions, characteristics, and types of political parties, the challenges they face, and the reforms needed to improve their functioning. The chapter also introduces national and state parties in India, and how political competition shapes public opinion and governance. Political parties are essential for making policies, forming governments, representing different interests, and linking the people with the government.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Concept	Explanation
Political Party	A group of people with similar ideologies aiming to contest elections and hold power.
Functions of Parties	Contest elections, form policies, make laws, run government, act as opposition, shape public opinion.
Need for Political Parties	They simplify representation in democracies and provide choices to voters.
Types of Parties	National parties (e.g., BJP, INC), State parties (e.g., TMC, DMK).
Party System	One-party, two-party, and multi-party systems based on political structure.
Challenges to Parties	Lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, money and muscle power, lack of meaningful choices.
Party Reforms	Transparency in funding, inner-party democracy, reducing criminalization in politics.

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. Which of the following is a national party of India?
   • a) Shiv Sena
   • b) Trinamool Congress
   • c) Bahujan Samaj Party
   • d) AIADMK
   • Answer c) Bahujan Samaj Party
2. What is a major challenge faced by political parties?
   • a) Too many members
   • b) Internal democracy
   • c) Excessive transparency
   • d) Lack of competition
   • Answer b) Internal democracy
3. What is the minimum number of states a party must win to be recognized as a national party?
   • a) One
   • b) Two
   • c) Four
   • d) Six
   • Answer c) Four
4. Which of the following is not a function of political parties?
   • a) Formulating laws
   • b) Promoting dictatorship
   • c) Contesting elections
   • d) Shaping public opinion
   • Answer b) Promoting dictatorship

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. What are the main features of a political party? (PYQ – 2020)
2. Mention two challenges faced by political parties in India. (PYQ – 2021)
3. Distinguish between national and state parties. (PYQ – 2019)
4. State any two functions of political parties in a democracy.

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain five major functions of political parties in a democracy. (PYQ – 2020)
2. Discuss the challenges faced by political parties in India and suggest reforms. (PYQ – 2021)
3. Describe the differences between various party systems with examples.
4. How do political parties ensure political participation and public accountability?

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. Should India move toward a two-party system like the USA? Discuss its pros and cons.
2. What reforms can be implemented to ensure greater transparency in party funding and operations?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

• Definition of Political Party: A group with common ideology, aiming to form government through elections.
• Three Party Systems:
  • One-Party: e.g., China (Communist Party)
  • Two-Party: e.g., USA (Republicans and Democrats)
  • Multi-Party: e.g., India
• Conditions for National Party (as per ECI):
  • Secures at least 6% of valid votes in 4 or more states
  • Wins at least 2% of seats in Lok Sabha from at least 3 different states

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbook for 2025–26.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Political Parties	5–7 marks	MCQs, Short Answer, Long Answer, Case-Based

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2019	3	Distinguish between national and state parties.
2020	5	Explain any five functions of political parties.
2021	5	What challenges do political parties face? Suggest reforms.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics

• Election Commission of India (ECI): Regulates and recognizes national/state parties.
• Electoral Bonds: A real-life issue concerning transparency of party funding.
• Inner-Party Elections: Example – Some parties like INC have internal elections, but many don’t.
• Coalition Governments: Example of how multi-party system works in India.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

 Time Management

• Break chapter into 3 parts: Party Functions, Challenges, and Reforms.
• Use flashcards for national vs state parties.

 Exam Preparation

• Prepare mind maps for party systems and reforms.
• Practice past PYQs and case-based questions.

 Stress Management

• Follow current political news to make topics relatable.
• Discuss mock parliament ideas or party manifestos in group discussions.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific)

For Classes 9–10

Academic Streams Overview:

• Science: Data analysis in political trends and elections.
• Commerce: Political finance and policy influence.
• Arts: Political science, law, public administration.

Career Paths:

• Politician
• Election Campaign Manager
• Political Journalist
• Lawyer
• Civil Services Officer (UPSC, State PSCs)

Competitions & Opportunities:

• NTSE
• CBSE Heritage India Quiz
• Mock Elections/Youth Parliament Contests

XI. Important Notes

•  Political parties are essential for participatory democracy.
•  Understanding party systems helps students become responsible voters.
•  Always stay updated with recent party classifications and reforms.