CBSE Class 10 Social Science Political Science Chapter 4 Political Parties Notes 2025-26

In a democracy, political parties are the backbone of the political system. They bring together people who share common ideas, beliefs, and goals for the country. These parties contest elections, form governments, and make policies for the welfare of the people. Without political parties, democracy cannot function effectively because they connect citizens with the government and ensure that every group in society has a voice in decision-making.

The CBSE Class 10 Political Science Chapter 4 – Political Parties explains how these organizations work, their functions, and their importance in a democratic setup. Students can use the Political parties Class 10 Notes PDF to understand key topics like the meaning of political parties, types of parties, challenges they face, and ways to reform them. These political parties class 10 notes simplify complex ideas, making it easier to prepare for exams and gain a clear understanding of how India’s democracy works.

In India, there are two main types of political parties – national parties and regional parties. National parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) operate across the entire country, while regional parties such as the DMK, BJD, and TRS focus on issues within specific states. The chapter also discusses how India’s multi-party system allows representation for different social, cultural, and regional interests, making it one of the strengths of Indian democracy. 

Students preparing for exams can also refer to Political parties Class 10 questions and answers to practice case-based, short, and long questions. The class 10 civics political parties notes explain that political parties are essential for the growth of democracy because they give people choices, bring different opinions together, and help in forming stable governments. By studying the Political parties Notes, students gain a deeper understanding of democratic values and the role citizens play in shaping governance through political participation.

Political parties Class 10 Notes PDF

Political parties are groups of people who share similar ideas and work together to contest elections and form governments. They play a vital role in a democracy by representing citizens’ views, shaping policies, and ensuring accountability. Parties help form governments, make laws, act as opposition, and influence public opinion. 

Do Check: Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10 Notes

India follows a multi-party system, which allows diverse communities and interests to be represented. National parties like the BJP and Congress operate across the country, while regional parties focus on state issues. Political parties strengthen democracy by giving voters choices and linking people with the government.

CBSE Class 10 Political Parties Notes

Why Do We Need Political Parties?

Political parties are groups of people who share similar beliefs and ideas about how the country should be run. They work together to contest elections and gain political power.

Functions of Political Parties:

Political parties represent different opinions in society. They help form responsible governments and make policies that serve the public.

Role and Importance of Political Parties

Political parties play a central role in democracy. They are the link between the government and the citizens.

1. Representation of People: Parties represent the wishes and opinions of different groups in society.
2. Policy Formation: They discuss and decide on issues like education, health, and economy.
3. Decision-Making: They take part in debates and discussions in Parliament or Assemblies.
4. Political Choice: Voters can choose among different parties and their policies.
5. Accountability: The opposition keeps a check on the ruling party and exposes wrong policies.

Without political parties, citizens would have no organized way to influence government decisions.

Do Check: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Notes

Types of Political Parties

Recognition by Election Commission

Major National Parties in India

Examples of Regional Parties

Systems of Political Parties

1. One-Party System: Only one party controls the government (e.g., China).
2. Two-Party System: Two main parties compete for power (e.g., USA, UK).
3. Multi-Party System: Several parties compete and form alliances (e.g., India).

India has a multi-party system, which allows more voices and regional interests to be represented. When no party wins a majority, they form alliances called coalitions or fronts.

Challenges Faced by Political Parties

Even though parties are essential, they face several challenges:

Reforms in Political Parties

Efforts have been made to make parties more democratic and transparent:

1. Anti-Defection Law: Prevents elected members from switching parties after elections.
2. Affidavit Rule: Candidates must declare assets, income, and criminal cases before contesting.
3. Election Commission Rules: Parties must file income tax returns and hold regular internal elections.

Do Check: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus.

Suggested Reforms

• Pass a law to make internal elections compulsory.
• Reserve one-third of party positions for women.
• Provide state funding for elections to reduce dependence on big donations.
• Increase public pressure through media, petitions, and awareness.
• Encourage youth and honest citizens to join parties to bring change.

Political parties Class 10 Questions and Answers

Q. What is a political party?

Ans. A political party is a group of people who share the same ideas and come together to contest elections and form a government.

Q. What are the main parts of a political party?

Ans. A political party has three main components:

Q. What are the main functions of political parties?

• Nominate candidates for elections.
• Form and run the government after winning.
• Help make laws in the legislature.
• Act as the opposition to question the ruling party.
• Shape public opinion through debates and campaigns.
• Provide leadership and direction to the people.

Q. What are the types of party systems?

Ans. There are three main types:

Q. Why does India have a multi-party system?

Ans. India has people from different regions, languages, and religions. A multi-party system lets many communities and groups be represented, making democracy more inclusive.

Do Check: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Papers

Q. What is a coalition government?

Ans. When no single party wins a majority in elections, two or more parties join to form the government. This is called a coalition government.

Example: NDA and UPA governments in India.

Q. Name the national political parties in India.

Ans. Recognized national parties are:

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
• Indian National Congress (INC)
• Communist Party of India (CPI)
• Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI-M]
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
• Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Q. How does the Election Commission recognize a national party?

Ans. A political party is recognized as a national party if it:

1. Wins at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats from three or more states, or
2. Gets 6% of votes in four or more states and wins 4 Lok Sabha seats, or
3. Is recognized as a state party in at least four states.

Q. Difference between national and regional parties

Q. What are the main challenges faced by political parties?

• Lack of internal democracy: Decisions taken by a few leaders only.
• Dynastic rule: Power stays within one family.
• Use of money and muscle power: Rich or strong candidates influence elections.
• Limited voter choice: Many parties have similar policies or leaders.

Q. How do political parties shape public opinion?

Ans. Political parties influence people by:

• Holding public meetings and rallies.
• Sharing ideas through TV, radio, newspapers, and social media.
• Discussing issues in debates and campaigns.

Q. How does the Election Commission regulate political parties?

• Registers, recognizes, or cancels recognition of parties.
• Implements the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
• Monitors spending to prevent overspending.
• Allots election symbols to parties and candidates.

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Political Science

Advantages and disadvantages of a multi-party system

Q. What is the opposition in a democracy?

Opposition parties are those that do not win a majority in elections. They:

• Question and check government policies.
• Raise public issues.
• Prevent misuse of power.

Q. Why are political parties important for democracy?

• They give people different options to choose from.
• Help form governments and make public policies.
• Act as a link between the public and the government.
• Encourage debate and political awareness.

Case Based Question for Political Parties

Case:
“A country has only two main political parties. Smaller parties exist but rarely influence the government.”

Q: What type of party system is this? Mention one advantage and one disadvantage.

Answer:

• It is a two-party system.
• Advantage: Brings political stability.
• Disadvantage: Limits voter choice.

Source-Based Question for Political Parties

Source:
“In India, elections are fought among national and regional parties. Sometimes, different parties form alliances to create a government.”

Q1: Why do political parties form coalitions in India?

Answer:
Because in India’s multi-party system, no single party often wins a clear majority, so they form coalitions to govern.

Q2: Name one coalition government in India.

Answer:

• National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by BJP.
• United Progressive Alliance (UPA) led by Congress.

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science

How to Study Class 10 Political Parties Notes

If you’re using Political parties Class 10 Notes PDF follow these steps:

1. Read the Chapter: Go through your textbook once for full understanding.
2. Use Notes for Quick Revision: Focus on definitions, examples, and tables.
3. Practice Questions: Revise with Political parties Class 10 questions and answers.
4. Create Flashcards: Summarize key terms like national party, opposition, multi-party system.
5. Revise Often: Read short summaries regularly to remember facts.

Tips for Learning the Class 10 Political Science Chapter 4 – Political Parties

Learning about political parties is not just about memorizing facts—it’s about understanding how democracy works in real life. The chapter explains how parties represent people, contest elections, form governments, and shape public opinion. Here are some effective tips to study and revise class 10 political parties notes efficiently:

1. Focus on the Roles and Functions of Political Parties

Start by clearly understanding what political parties do in a democracy. They contest elections, form governments, make and implement laws, act as opposition, and influence public opinion.

For instance:

• Ruling Party: Makes government decisions and policies.
• Opposition Party: Checks and questions the ruling party’s work.
• Public Role: Spreads awareness and represents people’s needs.

Understanding these functions helps answer case-based and reasoning questions easily in exams.

2. Learn About Major National Political Parties

Memorize key details about each national party, including:

• Full Name and Abbreviation (e.g., Bharatiya Janata Party – BJP, Indian National Congress – INC).
• Party Symbols (e.g., Lotus for BJP, Hand for Congress).
• Key Leaders and their contribution to Indian politics.
• Ideology and Core Beliefs (e.g., Secularism, Social Justice, Cultural Nationalism).

3. Understand the Types of Political Parties

There are two main categories — National Parties and Regional (State) Parties.

• National parties operate across India and are recognized in multiple states.
• Regional parties work within one or a few states, focusing on local issues.

4. Summarise Each Party’s History and Achievements

• When the party was formed.
• Its main objectives and ideology.
• Notable achievements and role in shaping national or state politics.

5. Review Recent Election Performances

Stay aware of how major parties have performed in recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

• Which parties formed coalitions like NDA or UPA?
• Which parties gained or lost popularity in different states?

These updates strengthen your understanding of how India’s multi-party system works in practice. You can include this information in analytical or case-based questions.

6. Practice Exam-Oriented Questions

Once you’ve studied the notes, practice regularly using Political parties Class 10 questions and answers and sample papers.

Focus on:

• One-mark definitions (e.g., What is a coalition government?)
• Three- to five-mark short answers (e.g., Explain the challenges faced by political parties).
• Case-based questions (Analyze real-life election scenarios).

Practicing regularly improves writing speed and helps remember examples during exams.

7. Use Multiple Study Formats

• Use handwritten notes for daily quick revision.
• Read the Political parties Class 10 PDF for complete explanations and tables.
• Attempt mock questions and past papers to boost confidence.

How to Use CBSE Class 10 Notes Effectively

Studying from CBSE Class 10 Notes can make your exam preparation easier and faster. The notes are designed to save time, highlight key points, and help you revise the whole chapter quickly before exams. Whether you are studying Political Parties Class 10 Notes PDF, Science notes, or History notes, the right approach can make a big difference.

1. Read the Textbook Chapter First

Always start with your NCERT textbook. Read the chapter carefully to understand the main ideas and flow of concepts. For example, in Class 10 Civics Chapter 4 – Political Parties, first learn what political parties are, their roles, and the challenges they face in a democracy.

2. Use the Notes for Revision

After reading the textbook, open your CBSE Class 10 Notes or Political parties Class 10 Notes PDF. These notes present the entire chapter in an easy and summarized form.

3. Focus on Key Points and Terms

While revising, pay attention to important words and concepts. Highlight or underline terms like national parties, regional parties, coalition government, opposition, etc. In subjects like Civics, key terms often appear in short-answer or definition-based questions.

4. Practice Questions Regularly

After revising from the notes, solve the Political parties Class 10 questions and answers and other exercises from your textbook or sample papers. Practicing helps you check your understanding and remember concepts for longer. Try solving previous year board questions or NCERT exemplar problems using your notes as a guide.

5. Write Short Summaries in Your Own Words

Once you understand the chapter, write a short version of it in your own handwriting. Creating your own Political Parties Class 10 Handwritten Notes or short summaries makes learning more personal and effective.

6. Revise Regularly

Revision is the key to remembering facts, terms, and examples. Go through your CBSE Class 10 Notes at least once every few days. Quick daily or weekly revisions keep the content fresh in your mind, which helps a lot in subjects like Civics, Geography, or History that have many factual details.