NCERT Class 10 Social Science Democratic Politics: Chapter 4 — Political Parties
This chapter, "Political Parties," from NCERT's Class 10 Social Science textbook (Democratic Politics), delves into the crucial role of political parties in a democracy. It begins by acknowledging their visibility and how citizens often equate democracy with parties, despite widespread criticism. The text addresses common questions about the necessity of parties and their potential to cause divisions. It defines a political party as a group aiming to contest elections and hold government power, united by common policies and programs for societal welfare. The chapter explores why parties have become ubiquitous in modern democracies and sets the stage to examine national and regional parties in India, along with potential issues and solutions. Understanding political parties is vital for comprehending democratic processes and citizen participation in India.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Democratic Politics |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Political Parties |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 546 |
Learning outcomes
- Define what a political party is.
- Explain why political parties are necessary in a democracy.
- Identify the common criticisms leveled against political parties.
- Understand the basic functions of political parties.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Democracy | A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. |
| Political Parties | An organized group of people who share similar political aims and opinions, and who seek to influence public policy by getting their candidates elected to public office. |
| Constitution | A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. |
| Elections | A formal and organized process of electing or being elected, in which voters choose political representatives. |
| Government | The governing body of a nation, state, or community. |
| Policies | A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, or business. |
| Programmes | A plan of activities or events. |
| Collective good | The benefit or welfare of all members of a group or society. |
| Partisan | A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person. |
| Divisions | Differences in opinion or interest that separate people. |
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Practice questions
- What is the basic definition of a political party? Answer: A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government, agreeing on policies and programmes for the society.
- According to the text, how do most ordinary citizens perceive democracy? Answer: For most ordinary citizens, democracy is often equated with political parties.
- What are some common criticisms leveled against political parties? Answer: People tend to blame parties for all that is wrong with democracy and political life, viewing them as partial, partisan, and divisive.
- Why have political parties become so common in democracies worldwide? Answer: The text suggests they have become omnipresent due to their role in contesting elections and holding power, though the detailed reasons are explored later in the chapter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary goal of a political party?
The primary goal of a political party is to contest elections and hold power in the government by promoting certain policies and programmes for the collective good of society.
Are political parties always popular?
No, while political parties are highly visible, most people tend to be critical of them and blame them for problems in democracy and political life.
How do ordinary citizens often view democracy?
For many ordinary citizens, especially in remote areas, democracy is often understood or equated with the presence and activities of political parties.
What does it mean for parties to be 'partisan'?
Being 'partisan' means being a strong supporter of a particular party, often to the exclusion or detriment of others, which can lead to divisions.
Did all countries always have political parties?
No, about a hundred years ago, political parties were rare, but they have become omnipresent in democracies worldwide since then.
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NCERT Class 10 Social Science — Democratic Politics — Chapter 4 — Political Parties. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.