NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Civics: Political PartiesState the necessity of political parties in a democracy. Explain any five major functions that political parties perform.

Introduction\nPolitical parties are easily one of the most visible institutions in a democracy. For most citizens, democracy is equal to political parties. If we imagine a scenario without political parties, we can understand their absolute necessity. Without parties, every candidate in elections will be independent, and no one will be able to make any promises to the people about any major policy changes. The government may be formed, but its utility will remain ever uncertain. Therefore, political parties are essential for running a democratic government.

Major Functions of Political Parties

1. Contesting Elections

• Core Function: Political parties contest elections. In most democracies, elections are fought mainly among candidates put up by political parties.
• Selection of Candidates: Parties select their candidates in different ways. In India, top party leaders choose candidates for contesting elections.

2. Putting Forward Policies and Programmes

• Differing Opinions: Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose from them.
• Broad Category: A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the Ruling Party. Parties bundle a vast multitude of opinions into a few basic positions which they support.

3. Making Laws

• Role in Legislation: Political parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country.
• Party Whip: Formally, laws are debated and passed in the legislature. But since most members belong to a party, they go by the direction of the party leadership, irrespective of their personal opinions.

4. Forming and Running the Government

• Executive Power: The big policy decisions are taken by political executive that comes from the political parties.
• Recruitment and Training: Parties recruit leaders, train them and then make them ministers to run the government in the way they want.

5. Role of Opposition

• Voicing Dissent: Parties that lose elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power, voicing different views and criticising government failures.
• Keeping Check: Opposition parties mobilize opposition to the government and keep the ruling party on its toes.

Conclusion\nThus, political parties fulfill various needs of a representative democracy. They make sure that the government is accountable, responsive, and legitimate by performing these crucial functions efficiently.