Political Parties
Class 7 | Social Science — Civics | Unit 2
Class 7 Unit 2 Civics
Student Siva: Good morning Mam. May I come in?
Teacher Ms.Aadhi: Good morning Siva. Always you will be on time. Why are you so late today?
Siva: Sorry mam. I was delayed due to a procession
Ms. Aadhi: What is it about? Who arranged this procession?
Siva: My uncle said "That is the work of the political party".
Ms. Aadhi: Oh. I see!
Siva: What is political party mam? Why are they doing so?
Ms. Aadhi, Wait. Today I am going to teach about political parties. Let us know all about that
In earlier times, emperors and kings ruled India. The king was the supreme head of the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary branches. Governance was in the hands of one person. The welfare of the people depended on the ruler. People had no rights to do against the ruler. Later foreign powers made India as their colonies. The colonies became states after Independence was declared. In 1950, India became a democratic country. A vibrant democracy needs a strong political party system. Party System is a modern phenomenon. In a democracy, people are able to voice their opinions on any subject.
What are Political Parties?
Political parties are the voluntary associations of individuals with broad ideological identity who agree on some policies, formulate an agenda and programme for the society. Political parties seek to implement their policies by winning people's support through election. Parties vary in size and in the ways they organize themselves as well as in their policies.
Any political party has three basic components
- the leader
- the active members
- the follower
Importance of political parties
Political parties are the backbone of democracy. Parties are not part of the formal arrangement of a government but they are essential elements to form the government. They formulate public opinion. They serve as intermediaries between the citizen and the policy makers.
A party is recognized if,
- it has been engaged in political activity for five years.
- its candidates secure at least six percent of total votes in the last general election.
Functions of the Political Parties
Functions of the Political Parties
- Provide loyal opposition, accountability & stability
- Nominate Select and nominate individuals to elected office
- Organize organize political campaign, rallies and announcement of Manifesto to win public office
- Inspire put forward different policies and programmes for the welfare of the people
- Co-ordinate Connect the society and the state. co-ordinate among members elected to office
- Govern Form and run the government and develop public policy
Characteristics of Political Parties
Political parties,
- consist a group of persons of common goals and shared values.
- have its own ideology and programme.
- capture power only by constitutional means.
- endeavour to promote the national interest and national welfare
Party 'manifesto'
During the campaign before election, the candidates announce the programmes and policies that their party will undertake if voted to power
Types of Party System
Party system in India
There are three major types of party system.
Single Party System
a system in which a single political party has the right to form the government. Single party is existed in the communist countries such as China. North Korea and Cuba.
Bi – Party System
In Bi –Party system the power is usually shared between two parties. Of the two parties one becomes the ruling party and the other becomes opposition. eg Bi-Party system can be seen in U.K. (the Labour Party and the Conservative Party) and in U.S.A (the Republican Party and the Democratic Party)
Multi – Party System
When the competition for power is among three or more parties, the system is known as multi-party system. This type of party system is in existence in India, France, Sweden and Norway etcetera
Party system in India
Countries that follow a federal system have two kinds of parties. India's party system originated in the late 19th century. In fact, India has the largest number of political parties in the world. In India we find the existence of political parties at three levels. They are National parties, Regional parties, and Registered but unrecognised parties (independent candidates). Every party in the country has to register with Election Commission.
Election Commission Statutory body
The Election Commission of India is an autonomous, constitutional authority responsible for administering elections. Its head quarter is located in New Delhi
How to form a political party
- Must get registered with Election Commission of India
- Must have at least 100 members
- Each member needs to hold a voting card
- Must write a Party Constitution
Criteria for Recognition
The Election Commission of India has some criteria for the recognition of political parties in India.
National Parties
- Parties that secure atleast 6% of the valid votes in Lok sabha election or assembly elections in four states.
- They must win 4 seats in Lok sabha from any State/States.
- They have to win 2% of seats in Lok sabha from atleast 3 different states in the latest general election.
Regional and State Parties
- Parties that secures atleast 6% of the valid votes in the state legislative assembly election.
- They must win one Lok Sabha seat for every 25 seats or atleast 2 seats in Legislative assembly.
- They need to win a minimum of 3% of the total number of seats in Legislative Assembly.
Independent candidate
A candidate who wishes to contest in either of the Parliamentary, State Assembly but does not have an affiliation with the other parties, may contest the election as an Independent candidate
Recognized parties
Parties that fulfill these criteria are called recognized parties. They are given a unique symbol by the Election Commission. A registered but unrecognized political party cannot contest election on its own symbol. This party has to choose one symbol form free symbol 'poll panel' announced by the Election Commission.
Free symbols 'Poll panel'
As per the Election Symbols order 1968, symbols are either reserved or free.
• A reserved symbol is meant for a recognized political party.
• A free symbol is reserved for unrecognized party
Majority Party
The Political Party whose number of candidates elected is more than the others is called the majority party. The Majority Party forms and runs the government. They select and appoint their ministers to run the government. They play a decisive role in making laws for the country
Minority Party
Those with lesser number of elected candidates are called the minority party.
Opposition Party
The party which gets second largest number of seats next to the majority party in the election is called the Opposition party. An effective opposition is very essential for the successful operation of the democracy. They are as important as that of ruling party. They check the autocratic tendencies of the ruling party. They critically examine the policies and bills introduced by the government. They raise their voice on the failures and wrong policies. They highlight important issues which are not acted upon the Government. The leader of the opposition party enjoys the rank of Cabinet Minister.
Coalition Government
In a Multiparty system a single party sometimes may not secure the majority required to form the government. In such a case, some parties join together to form the government. Such government is called Coalition Government.
Electoral Symbols and its importance
An electoral symbol is a standardised symbol allocated to a political party. They play an important role in elections. They can be easily identified, understood, remembered and recognized by the voters. The Election commission has stopped allotting animals as symbols. The only exceptions are the lion and the elephant. The symbol of nationally recognized parties is standard throughout India. That symbol will not be allotted to any other party or individual. State parties are allotted to certain symbols that no other party can use the symbol in that particular state but which different parties in different states can use the same symbol. (Example, Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and Jharkhand Mukti Morsha in Jharkhand use bow and arrow as their symbol)
Both National and Regional parties trigger the growth of the nation and work for the welfare of the people.
| National Party | Regional or State Party |
|---|
| National parties are political parties which participate in different elections all over India. | Regional parties are political parties which participate in different elections but only within one state. |
| It should be strong enough in at least four states. | It should be strong enough in at least one or two states. |
| It has an exclusive symbol throughout the country | A symbol is reserved for it in the state in which it is recognized. But the same symbol can be allotted to different parties in different states. |
| It resolves State, National and International issues | It promotes regional and state interest |
Summary
Modern age is an age of mass society and of large population and party system is a modern phenomenon. A group of people with broad common interest who organize to win elections, control government and thereby influence government policies. There are three major types of party system, that is, single party system, Bi - party system, and Multi - party system. In India we have Multi – party system. Individual citizen who are not members of a party may also be elected. They are known as Independents. Election Commission is responsible for free and fair elections in India
Glossary
Democracy Government by the people, மக்களாட்சி Election manifesto a public declaration of policies and aims by political parties, தேர்தல் அறிக்கை Opposition party a party opposing to the other parties, எதிர்க்கட்சி Federal system system of government in which several states form a unity but remain independent in internal affairs, கூட்டாட்சி அமைப்பு Election commission a body for implementation of election procedures, தேர்தல் ஆணையம் Electoral symbols symbols allocated to a political party, தேர்தல் சின்னங்கள் Cabinet Minister member of a parliament or legislative assembly cabinet, கேபினெட் அமைச்சர்
Evaluation
Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer
1. What is meant by Bi-party system?
a) Two parties run the government b) Two members run a party c) Two major political parties contest election d) None of these
2. Which system of government does India have?
a) Single–party system b) Bi-party system c) Multi-party system d) None of these
3. Recognition of a political party is accorded by
a) The Election commission b) The president c) The supreme court d) A committee
4. Political parties are generally formed on the basic of
a) Religious principles b) Common interest c) Economic principles d) Caste
5. Single-party system is found in
a) India b) U.S.A c) France d) China Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks
1. form the back bone of democracy.
2. Every party in our country has to register with .
3. Political parties serve as intermediaries between the and .
4. A registered but political party cannot contest election on its own symbol.
5. The leader of the opposition party enjoys the rank of .
Exercise 3. Match the following
| 1. Democracy | |
| 2. Election commission | |
| 3. Majority party | |
| 4. Opposition party | |
a) criticize the government policies
b) forms the government
c) rule of the people
d) free and fair election
Exercise 4. Consider the following statements. Tick the appropriate answer
1. Which of the following statement is or are correct?
a) Every party in the country has to register with the election commission. b) The commission treats all the parties equally c) Election commission allots a separate symbol for recognized parties. d) All the above.
2. Assertion : Majority party plays a decisive role in making laws for the country.
Reason : The number of candidates elected is more than the others in the election.
a) Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. b) Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion. c) Reason is wrong Assertion is correct. d) Assertion and Reason are wrong. Exercise 5. Answer in one or two sentences
1. Which are the basic components of a political party?
2. Name the three major types of party system.
3. Name the countries which follow Bi – party system.
4. Write a note on Coalition Government.
Exercise 6. Answer the following
1. Write any four functions of political party?
2. When is a political party recognized as a National Party?
Exercise 7. HOTs
1. Is political party necessary for a democratic country?
2. Give any three names of National party, Regional party, and Registered but unrecognized party
Exercise 8. Activity
1. Write an election manifesto (if you were a party leader).
ICT CORNER
Political Parties
This activity enables the students to know about the Election Commission of India
PROCEDURE:
Step 1: Open the Browser and Install the URL link given below
Step 2: Select "Election India" (Example, Parties) to get a brief information about "National Parties"
Step 3: Click the Menu button and select any title (Example,Leaders) to view about the leaders profile
Step 4: Touch the menu button and select "Dashboard" to know about the status of upcoming elections and National parties
URL: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=election (or) scan the QR Code
*Pictures are indicative only
*If browser requires, allow Flash Player or Java Script to load the page
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
1. Choose the Correct Answer
1. What is meant by Bi-party system?
a) Two parties run the government b) Two members run a party c) Two major political parties contest election d) None of these
Answer: c) Two major political parties contest election
Explanation: In Bi-Party system the power is usually shared between two parties. Of the two parties one becomes the ruling party and the other becomes opposition.
2. Which system of government does India have?
a) Single–party system b) Bi-party system c) Multi-party system d) None of these
Answer: c) Multi-party system
Explanation: In India we have Multi-party system where competition for power is among three or more parties.
3. Recognition of a political party is accorded by
a) The Election commission b) The president c) The supreme court d) A committee
Answer: a) The Election commission
Explanation: The Election Commission of India has some criteria for the recognition of political parties in India.
4. Political parties are generally formed on the basis of
a) Religious principles b) Common interest c) Economic principles d) Caste
Answer: b) Common interest
Explanation: Political parties consist a group of persons of common goals and shared values.
5. Single-party system is found in
a) India b) U.S.A c) France d) China
Answer: d) China
Explanation: Single party is existed in the communist countries such as China, North Korea and Cuba.
2. Fill in the Blanks
1. _____ form the backbone of democracy.
Answer: Political parties
2. Every party in our country has to register with _____.
Answer: Election Commission
3. Political parties serve as intermediaries between the _____ and _____.
Answer: citizen and policy makers
4. A registered but _____ political party cannot contest election on its own symbol.
Answer: unrecognized
5. The leader of the opposition party enjoys the rank of _____.
Answer: Cabinet Minister
3. Match the Following
1. Match the Following
| 1. Democracy | criticize the government policies |
| 2. Election commission | forms the government |
| 3. Majority party | rule of the people |
| 4. Opposition party | free and fair election |
Answers: 1-rule of the people, 2-free and fair election, 3-forms the government, 4-criticize the government policies
4. Consider the Following Statements
1. Which of the following statement is or are correct?
a) Every party in the country has to register with the election commission. b) The commission treats all the parties equally c) Election commission allots a separate symbol for recognized parties. d) All the above.
Answer: d) All the above.
Explanation: All statements are correct as mentioned in the chapter text.
2. Assertion: Majority party plays a decisive role in making laws for the country. Reason: The number of candidates elected is more than the others in the election.
a) Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. b) Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion. c) Reason is wrong Assertion is correct. d) Assertion and Reason are wrong.
Answer: a) Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Explanation: The Political Party whose number of candidates elected is more than the others forms the government and plays a decisive role in making laws.
5. Answer in One or Two Sentences
1. Which are the basic components of a political party?
Answer: Any political party has three basic components: the leader, the active members, and the followers.
2. Name the three major types of party system.
Answer: The three major types of party system are Single Party System, Bi-Party System, and Multi-Party System.
3. Name the countries which follow Bi-party system.
Answer: Bi-Party system can be seen in U.K. (the Labour Party and the Conservative Party) and in U.S.A (the Republican Party and the Democratic Party).
4. Write a note on Coalition Government.
Answer: In a Multiparty system a single party sometimes may not secure the majority required to form the government. In such a case, some parties join together to form the government. Such government is called Coalition Government.
6. Answer the Following
1. Write any four functions of political party?
Answer: Four functions of political parties are: 1) Nominate - Select and nominate individuals to elected office, 2) Organize - organize political campaign, rallies and announcement of Manifesto to win public office, 3) Govern - Form and run the government and develop public policy, 4) Coordinate - Connect the society and the state and coordinate among members elected to office.
2. When is a political party recognized as a National Party?
Answer: A political party is recognized as National Party when it secures at least 6% of the valid votes in Lok sabha election or assembly elections in four states, wins 4 seats in Lok sabha from any State/States, and wins 2% of seats in Lok sabha from at least 3 different states in the latest general election.
7. HOTs
1. Is political party necessary for a democratic country?
Answer: Yes, political parties are necessary for a democratic country. Political parties are the backbone of democracy. A vibrant democracy needs a strong political party system. They formulate public opinion and serve as intermediaries between the citizen and the policy makers. Parties are essential elements to form the government.
2. Give any three names of National party, Regional party, and Registered but unrecognized party
Answer: Refer to the chapter text for this answer.
8. Activity
1. Write an election manifesto (if you were a party leader).
Answer: During the campaign before election, the candidates announce the programmes and policies that their party will undertake if voted to power. This is called party 'manifesto'.
📝 Summary
- Political parties are voluntary associations of individuals with broad ideological identity who agree on policies and seek to implement them by winning people's support through elections.
- Political parties have three basic components: the leader, the active members, and the followers, and they serve as the backbone of democracy.
- Key functions of political parties include nominating candidates for office, organizing campaigns and manifestos, providing opposition and accountability, governing and forming public policy, and connecting society with the state.
- A party is recognized if it has been engaged in political activity for five years and its candidates secure at least six percent of total votes in the last general election.
- There are three major types of party systems: Single Party System (like China, North Korea, and Cuba), Bi-Party System (like the U.K. with Labour Party and Conservative Party), and the party system that exists in India.