Indian Party Systems Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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