Indian Party Systems Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the main characteristic of a one-party system?

  • It guarantees opposition parties equal representation.
  • It promotes freedom of speech and press.
  • It allows multiple parties to compete freely.
  • It restricts voter choice to only one candidate. (correct)
  • In a multi-party system, coalition governments are uncommon.

    False (B)

    Name one country that is an example of a multi-party system.

    India

    The United States primarily follows a ______ system.

    <p>two-party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following systems with their characteristics:

    <p>One-party system = Totalitarian governance with no opposition Two-party system = Dominated by two main political parties Multi-party system = Presence of several parties and coalition governments Unstable multi-party system = Frequent changes in governance resulting in instability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following countries has a one-party system?

    <p>China (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A stable multi-party system behaves similar to a two-party system.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main parties in the United Kingdom's two-party system?

    <p>Labour Party and Conservative Party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of party system is characterized by the existence of only one political party?

    <p>One-Party System (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coalition politics in India refers to the dominance of a single political party over others.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major limitation of the party system in India?

    <p>Lack of internal democracy within political parties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phase of the Indian party system characterized by the dominance of the Congress party is known as the __________ Era.

    <p>Congress Dominance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of party systems with their characteristics:

    <p>One-Party System = Limited political choice Two-Party System = Two dominant parties compete Multi-Party System = Multiple parties influence governance Coalition Politics = Parties collaborate to form governments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which phase did non-Congress parties start to emerge significantly in India?

    <p>1967-1989 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Indian party system has evolved only through stable single-party rule.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one characteristic of political parties in a democratic political system.

    <p>Organized structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major drawback of the party system described?

    <p>Council members sought guidance from party heads (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Congress party maintained dominance in India through the 1970s without interruption.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Rajni Kothari refer to the political landscape of India during the 1950s and 1960s?

    <p>One-party dominance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The period of Janata Party rule lasted from _____ to _____ in India.

    <p>1977, 1980</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following phases of the party system in India with their descriptions:

    <p>Congress Dominance Era = One party was dominant for an extended period Janata Party Rule = A brief interruption in Congress dominance Multiplication of Parties = Emergence of several political parties post-independence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant impact of a multi-party system on the government?

    <p>Creates opportunities for manipulation and blackmail (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The political party system in India has only experienced one phase since independence.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which party is known for its dominance in the early twentieth century in India?

    <p>Indian National Congress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which party led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)?

    <p>BJP (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The United Front was formed by a coalition of 13 non-BJP parties.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who served as Prime Minister of India during the United Front governments?

    <p>H.D. Devegowda and I.K. Gujral</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was led by the __________ party.

    <p>Congress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the political alliances with their leaders:

    <p>UPA = Manmohan Singh NDA = Narendra Modi United Front = H.D. Devegowda Third Front = Unstable alliances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year did coalitions start becoming a pattern in Indian politics?

    <p>1989 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Third Front has been a stable alliance compared to UPA and NDA.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify two states where coalition alliances have emerged.

    <p>Assam and Bihar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What marked the beginning of the decline of the Congress party's dominance in Indian politics?

    <p>Fourth general election of 1967 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Janata Party was formed by the merger of four parties.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name two regions where Charan Singh-led parties emerged as an alternative to Congress.

    <p>Bihar and Uttar Pradesh</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The introduction of reservation for backward classes in Bihar and UP was part of the agenda of the ________ parties.

    <p>regional</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the state to its main political competitors during 1967-1989:

    <p>Madhya Pradesh = Congress and BJS/BJP Kerala = Congress and Left parties Tamil Nadu = DMK and AIADMK North-Eastern states = Congress and regional parties</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan contributed to the decline of the Congress?

    <p>Student movement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the period from 1967 to 1989, the political landscape of India saw an increase in one-party dominance.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the result of the 1977 general election in India?

    <p>The Janata Party defeated Congress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following countries is an example of a two-party system?

    <p>United States (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a multiparty system, parties do not form coalitions to govern.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of a coalition government?

    <p>Increased representation of diverse viewpoints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a ______ system, multiple parties compete for power rather than just two.

    <p>multiparty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Two-party system = A political system with two major parties Coalition government = A government formed by multiple parties joining together One-party dominance = A scenario where one party consistently holds power Multiparty system = A system with several parties competing for election</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been a notable trend in Indian politics since the 1990s?

    <p>Formation of many coalition governments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The two-party system is often less stable than a multiparty system.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common minimum programme?

    <p>A set of agreed principles among coalition partners.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    One-Party System

    A system where only one political party is legally allowed to exist and participate in elections.

    Two-Party System

    A system where two major political parties dominate the political landscape and compete for power.

    Multi-Party System

    A system with multiple political parties, each representing a different political ideology or interest.

    Congress Dominance Era

    The period in India's political history where the Indian National Congress (INC) held a dominant position in the government.

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    Breakdown of Congress System

    The period following the Congress Dominance Era, where non-Congress parties gained prominence and challenged the INC's dominance.

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    Rise of Coalition Politics

    A political system where multiple parties form alliances and coalitions to form a government.

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    Limitations of Indian Party System

    The challenges and drawbacks associated with the party system in India.

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    Party System

    The structure and organization of political parties in a country, including their number, ideology, and relationships.

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    One-Party Dominance

    A political system dominated by a single party, often resulting in limited competition and choice for voters.

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    Janata Party Rule (1977-1980)

    The period of political instability in India where the Congress Party faced strong competition and lost power briefly to the Janata Party.

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    Multiple Party System

    A political system where multiple parties compete for power, leading to frequent changes in government and potential instability.

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    Congress System

    A term coined by Rajni Kothari to describe the Congress Party's dominance in India during the 1950s and 1960s.

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    One-Party Dominance

    A situation where a single party controls a majority of seats in parliament and holds power for a prolonged period.

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    Coalition Government

    A political system where multiple parties join forces to form a government.

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    Pre and Post Election Alliances

    Political parties forming alliances before or after elections to gain majority support.

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    United Front

    A coalition of 13 non-BJP parties formed in 1996 to govern India.

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    United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA)

    The two dominant alliances in Indian politics since 2004, led by Congress (UPA) and BJP (NDA).

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    Third Front

    A coalition of parties excluding the Congress and BJP, aiming to be an alternative force.

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    State-level Alliances

    Governments formed by multiple parties in various Indian states showcasing coalition dynamics.

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    Coalition Governments in India (1989-2014)

    The years 1989, 1990, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 witnessed the formation of various coalition governments in India.

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    Totalitarian governance

    A system where the ruling party or king eliminates freedom of speech, press, and association. Citizens have limited or no rights to express dissent or form independent groups.

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    Limited voter choice

    A political system that allows for a limited range of choices for voters. While elections may be held, the options presented are designed to maintain the power of the ruling party.

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    Decline of Congress Dominance (1967-1989)

    The Congress party's dominance in Lok Sabha and assembly elections declined, paving the way for regional parties and leaders to emerge in various states.

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    Purpose of a one-party system

    The core goal of a one-party system is not to encourage democratic deliberation or meaningful votes, but to enforce order and compliance among the population.

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    Types of multi-party systems

    A multi-party system can either be unstable, marked by frequent shifts in leadership and policy changes, or stable, in which the system resembles a two-party system with more parties.

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    Regional Parties Representing Local Interests

    Regional parties and leaders represented the aspirations and interests of different regions and groups, particularly farming communities and backward classes.

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    Reservation Policies and Regional Parties

    The introduction of reservation for backward classes in Bihar and UP in the 1970s and the formation of the Mandal Commission to introduce similar provisions at the central level were examples of issues championed by regional parties.

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    Bipolarization in State Politics

    The political landscape during this period witnessed a rise in two-party competition within states, with Congress facing off against different regional parties.

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    Janata Party's Victory in 1977

    The Janata Party's victory in the 1977 general election, formed from a coalition of five parties, marked a significant turning point in Indian politics.

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    Congress's Defeat and Multi-party Politics

    The Congress's defeat in 1977 signaled a shift in the political landscape, paving the way for a new era of multi-party politics.

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    Factors Contributing to Congress's Decline

    Factors such as the split within the Congress in 1969, the credibility crisis of public institutions during Indira Gandhi's rule, the student movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan in 1974, and the imposition of emergency in 1975-1977 contributed to the Congress's declining popularity.

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    1977 Election as a Turning Point

    The Janata Party's victory in the 1977 general election was seen as a significant change in the political system, signifying a shift towards a multi-party system.

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    Common Minimum Program

    A set of shared objectives and policies agreed upon by a coalition government, focusing on key areas of governance.

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    Democracy in Coalition Governments

    A key advantage of coalition government, it encourages compromise and inclusivity, ensuring a wider range of perspectives are considered.

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    Instability in Coalition Governments

    A challenge faced by coalition governments, as withdrawing support of a party can lead to instability and the collapse of the government.

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    Rise of Small Parties

    Small parties gaining influence in coalition governments due to the decline of major national parties.

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    Study Notes

    Indian Party Systems

    • India's political party system evolved through various phases
    • Initially, a single-dominant party—the Indian National Congress—held significant sway
    • Later, the emergence of non-Congress parties and regional parties challenged this dominance
    • Multi-party systems, involving alliances and coalitions, became prominent
    • Political parties in India are influenced by factors such as cultural diversity, religious pluralism, and caste/community dynamics

    Types of Party Systems

    • One-Party System: A system ruled by only one political party, often associated with authoritarian regimes
    • Two-Party System: Two major political parties dominate the political landscape, with one typically in power and the other as an opposition
    • Multi-Party System: Several political parties compete for power, sometimes forming coalitions to govern

    Phases of Indian Party System

    • Congress Dominance Era (One-Party Dominance vs. Multiple Parties): The Indian National Congress held considerable power for a significant period, gaining majority seats during early general elections
    • Breakdown of Congress System and Emergence of Non-Congress Parties (1967-1989): The dominance of the Congress started to decline, as non-Congress parties emerged, offering alternative political platforms.
    • Rise of Coalition Politics: Following challenges to Congress's dominance, a pattern of multi-party alliances and coalitions became a common feature for governing

    Limitations of Indian Party System

    • Lack of Internal Democracy: Political parties often lack proper internal democratic structures and processes for decision-making
    • Weak Organisation: Weak organizational structures can contribute to issues of internal conflicts and disagreements
    • Personalistic Leadership: Parties may be predominantly based on the personality of a leader
    • Policy Discrepancies: Political parties may represent specific sectional, regional, or caste interests
    • Corruption and Criminalisation: Links between some political parties and criminal elements can compromise democracy

    Coalition Governments

    • Coalition governments, formed by alliances between multiple parties, are prevalent in Indian politics
    • The formation of such governments can be a response to a lack of a clear winner
    • These types of governments often face significant challenges related to maintaining stability and implementing policies
    • The prevalence of coalitions is a notable characteristic of the Indian party system

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    Description

    Explore the evolution of India's political party system, from the dominance of the Indian National Congress to the rise of regional and non-Congress parties. This quiz covers the types of party systems, including one-party, two-party, and multi-party systems, and their impact on Indian politics. Test your knowledge on the factors influencing these party dynamics.

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