CBSE Class 10 Social Science Civics Notes Chapter 6: In Chapter 6 of CBSE Class 10

Social Science Civics, we learn about "Political Parties." These are groups of people who come
together to participate in politics and run the government. They do things like compete in
elections, form governments, and represent different groups of people in society. The chapter
talks about the different types of political parties, like national and regional parties, and the
issues they face in India. Overall, it helps us understand how political parties work and their
importance in our democracy.

Topics Covered in the CBSE Class 10 Social Science

Civics Notes Chapter 6 Overview
Here are the important topics covered in the CBSE Class 10 Social Science Chapter 6:

Introduction to Political Parties: Understanding the concept and significance of political

parties in a democratic system.

Functions of Political Parties: The roles and responsibilities of political parties, such as
contesting elections, forming governments, and representing citizens' interests.

Types of Political Parties: Differentiating between national and regional political parties and
understanding their organizational structures and objectives.

Challenges Faced by Political Parties: Discussing the obstacles and issues encountered by
political parties, including internal conflicts, lack of transparency, and the influence of money and
power.

Importance of Political Parties: Examining the essential role of political parties in democracy,
including facilitating political participation, shaping public policy, and promoting accountability.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Civics Notes Chapter 6

PDF
You can access the CBSE Class 10 Social Science Civics Notes for Chapter 6 in PDF format
through the following link:

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Civics Notes Chapter 6 PDF

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Civics Notes Chapter 6 –

Political Parties
Why Do We Need Political Parties?
Political parties are groups of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in
the government. They agree on policies and programmes to promote the collective good.
Parties represent fundamental political divisions in society and are known for their policies,
interests, and values. A political party typically consists of leaders, active members, and
followers.

Functions of Political Parties

Political parties play several crucial roles in a democracy:

1. Contesting elections: Parties participate in elections and offer various policies and
programmes for voters to choose from.
2. Making laws: Parties play a vital role in legislatures, shaping and passing laws for the
country.
3. Forming and running governments: Parties that win elections form governments and
govern the country.
4. Opposition: Parties that lose elections serve as the opposition, holding the government
accountable and voicing different views.
5. Shaping public opinion: Parties influence public opinion through their policies and
actions.
6. Access to government: Parties provide people access to government machinery and
welfare schemes.

The Necessity of Political Parties

Political parties are essential because they fulfill these functions and represent diverse views in
society. They bring together representatives to form responsible governments, make policies,
and justify or oppose them, fulfilling the needs of representative democracy.

How Many Parties Should We Have?

In a democracy, any group of citizens can form a political party. While over 750 parties are
registered in India, the effectiveness of parties varies. One-party systems and two-party systems
are less desirable than multi-party systems, where several parties compete for power. India
operates under a multiparty system, promoting diverse political representation.

National Parties

National parties are political organizations recognized at the national level by the Election
Commission of India. These parties operate across multiple states and regions of the country.
To be recognized as a national party, a political party must fulfill certain criteria set by the
Election Commission:

● Securing at least 6% of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a

State and winning at least 2 seats is recognized as a State Party.
 ● Securing at least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in
four states and winning at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha is recognized as a National
Party.

National parties play a significant role in shaping national politics and policies. They have a
presence in various states and often contest elections across the country. They may have
distinct ideologies, policies, and organizational structures that differentiate them from regional
parties.

Major National Parties in India

India has several major national parties that play a prominent role in the country's political
landscape. These parties have a significant presence across various states and regions of
India. Here are some of the major national parties:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Founded in 1980, the BJP is one of the largest political parties
in India. It espouses the ideology of Hindutva and advocates for cultural nationalism. The party
has a strong presence in both urban and rural areas and has been in power at the national level
multiple times.

Indian National Congress (INC): The Indian National Congress, often referred to as the
Congress Party, is one of the oldest political parties in India. Founded in 1885, it played a pivotal
role in the Indian independence movement. The party advocates for secularism, social justice,
and inclusive development. It has had a significant influence on Indian politics and has been in
power for several terms at the national level.

Communist Party of India (CPI): The CPI is a left-wing political party in India that follows the
principles of Marxism-Leninism. It advocates for socialism, secularism, and democracy. The
party has a strong presence in states like Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and
Tamil Nadu.

Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M): The CPI-M is a splinter group of the CPI that
was formed in 1964. It also adheres to the principles of Marxism-Leninism and focuses on
socialist policies, secularism, and democracy. The party has a significant presence in states like
West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura.

All India Trinamool Congress (AITC): Founded in 1998 by Mamata Banerjee, the AITC is a
regional party that gained prominence in West Bengal. It advocates for secularism, federalism,
and the welfare of the people. The party has expanded its presence to other states as well.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): The BSP was founded in 1984 by Kanshi Ram and focuses on
representing the interests of the Bahujan Samaj, which includes Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, and
religious minorities. It has a significant presence in Uttar Pradesh and other states in northern
India.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP): Formed in 1999 following a split from the Congress party,
the NCP supports democracy, secularism, and social justice. It has a major presence in
Maharashtra and has been a coalition partner in several governments.

State Parties

State parties, also known as regional parties, play a significant role in India's political landscape,
particularly at the state level. These parties primarily focus on the interests and issues specific
to a particular state or region. Here are some examples of state parties in India:

Biju Janata Dal (BJD): The BJD is a regional party based in the state of Odisha. It was founded
by Naveen Patnaik in 1997 and advocates for the development and welfare of Odisha and its
people.

Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF): The SDF is the ruling party in the state of Sikkim. It was
founded in 1993 by Pawan Chamling and focuses on the socio-economic development of
Sikkim and the welfare of its people.

Mizo National Front (MNF): The MNF is a regional party in the state of Mizoram. It was formed
in 1959 and has played a significant role in Mizoram's politics. The party advocates for the
interests of the Mizo people and the development of Mizoram.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS): The TRS is a regional party based in the state of
Telangana. It was founded by K. Chandrashekar Rao in 2001 and played a crucial role in the
formation of the separate state of Telangana. The party focuses on the development and
welfare of Telangana and its people.