Political Parties

A party that secures atleast 6 per cent of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly Elections in four States and wins atleast four seats in the Lok Sabha, is recognised as a ‘National party’.

A party, that secures atleast 6 per cent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a State and wins atleast two seats, is recognized as a ‘State party’.

Functions of Political Party:

• Contesting Elections. Political parties contest elections.
• Policies. Political parties put forward different policies and programmes so that the voters can choose from them. The policies and programmes of the Ruling Party are expected to be followed by . the government.
• Making Law. Political parties play a decisive role in making laws for the country.
• Formation of Government. Political parties form and run governments. The executive body is formed by people from the ruling party.
• Playing Opposition. A party which does not get majority or come under the majority coalition, needs to play the role of opposition.
• Shaping Public Opinion. Political parties shape public opinion. They do so by raising and highlighting issues in the legislature and in the media.
• Providing Access to Government Machinery. Political parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by governments.