Analyse the Three Components of a Political Party

As per NCERT Class 10 Political Science (Chapter: Political Parties):

1. Leaders • The visible face of the party • They contest elections, hold positions in government, and make policy decisions • They represent the party in public debates, parliament, and the media • Examples: Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, party presidents • Leaders are elected or chosen within the party hierarchy

2. Active Members • The backbone of the party • They work for the party during elections and between elections • They attend party meetings, organise campaigns, distribute pamphlets, mobilise voters, and recruit new members • Active members are not the same as leaders — they work in the background • Also called 'party workers' or 'party cadre'

3. Followers / Supporters • The largest group • They vote for the party and support it, but are not directly involved in daily party activities • They may or may not be formal party members • Their support is crucial for electoral success • Followers can also be called sympathisers

A Political Party Must: • Contest elections (candidates from the party) • Have policies and programmes (ideology) • Seek to implement its policies by winning government

Functions of Political Parties (NCERT):

1. Contest elections
2. Put forward policies and programmes for voters to choose
3. Make laws (in parliament/legislature)
4. Form and run the government
5. Play the role of opposition (when not in power)
6. Shape public opinion
7. Provide access for citizens to government machinery

Types of Party Systems: • One-party system: Only one party allowed (e.g., China — Communist Party) • Two-party system: Two major parties dominate (e.g., USA — Democrats and Republicans) • Multi-party system: Several parties compete (e.g., India — INC, BJP, regional parties)

India's Party System: • India has a multi-party system • Two main national parties: Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) • Several state-level/regional parties: TMC, SP, BSP, AIADMK, DMK, TDP, etc. • National party status: awarded by Election Commission based on votes and seats