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Political Science- Political Party and Politics

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Based on 66 ratings
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Dr. Swati Chakraborty

Political science is the scientific study of politics. It is a social science dealing with systems of governance and power, and the analysis of political activities, political thought, political behavior, and associated constitutions and laws.

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Political science is the scientific study of politics. It is a social science dealing with systems of governance and power, and the analysis of political activities, political thought, political behavior, and associated constitutions and laws.

Politics of India works within the framework of the country's Constitution. India is a parliamentary democratic republic in which the President of India is the head of state and the Prime Minister of India is the head of government. It is based on the federal structure of government, although the word is not used in the Constitution itself. India follows the dual polity system, i.e. federal in nature, that consists of the central authority at the centre and states at the periphery. The Constitution defines the organisational powers and limitations of both central and state governments; it is well recognised, fluid (Preamble of the Constitution being rigid and to dictate further amendments to the Constitution) and considered supreme, i.e. the laws of the nation must conform to it.

There is a provision for a bicameral legislature consisting of an upper house, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), which represents the states of the Indian federation, and a lower house, the Lok Sabha (House of the People), which represents the people of India as a whole. The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary, which is headed by the Supreme Court. The court's mandate is to protect the Constitution, to settle disputes between the central government and the states, to settle inter-state disputes, to nullify any central or state laws that go against the Constitution and to protect the fundamental rights of citizens, issuing writs for their enforcement in cases of violation.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Basic understanding about politics
  • To know about the indian politics
  • To discuss about indian party system
  • To explain polity and party

Syllabus

State Autonomy

Introduction

1.0 Learning Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

· Define party system and political parties;

· Understand main attributes of party system and political parties in India;

· Explain relation between Political Party, Party System and Democracy.

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PARTY SYSTEM IN INDIA

POLITICAL PARTIES: NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES

Political Participation

Political Parties: Pressure groups in Indian Politics

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Political Parties: Pressure groups in Indian Politics

6.2.1 Political Parties and Pressure Groups

6.2.2 Pressure Groups in India

6.2.3 Civil Society Organizations

6.2.4 Pressure Tactics

Regional Parties

Political Parties: Pressure groups in Indian Politics

State Autonomy

The Election Commission

4.1 Introduction

4.2 The Election Commission

4.2.1 Composition

4.2.2 Powers

4.2.3 Electoral Reforms in India

The Election Commission

Political Parties: End of One-Party Dominance and Era of Coalition Politics in India

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 The Congress decline and crystallization of a new wave

6.1.2 Challenge of building democracy

6.1.3 Reasons for Congress dominance in first three elections

6.2 Political Parties: End of One-Party Dominance and Era of Coalition Politics in India

Political Parties: End of One-Party Dominance and Era of Coalition Politics in India

Regionalism and Communalism in India

Regionalism and Communalism in India

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Regionalism and Communalism in India

6.2.1 Meaning

6.2.2 Causes

6.2.3 Types

6.2.4 Impact

Regionalism and Communalism in India

State Autonomy

9.1Introduction

9.2 State Autonomy

9.2.1 Meaning

9.2.2 Types and Demands

9.3 Emerging trends in Indian Politics

9.3.1 The Phase of Congress Hegemony: 1947-1977

9.3.2 The Janata Phase: 1977-1979

9.3.3 The Phase of Coalition Politics

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the Indian political system within the framework of the Constitution, which is useful for students studying Indian politics or comparative government
Examines the structure of the Indian government, including the roles of the President, Prime Minister, and the bicameral legislature, which is helpful for understanding Indian governance
Discusses the Election Commission's composition, powers, and electoral reforms, which is relevant for those interested in election processes and political participation
Investigates the dynamics of regionalism and communalism in India, including their meanings, causes, types, and impacts, which is important for understanding social and political challenges
Analyzes the evolution of the party system in India, from the dominance of the Congress party to the era of coalition politics, which is useful for understanding the historical context
Requires learners to understand the basics of political science, which may not be suitable for those without any prior knowledge of the field

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Reviews summary

Introduction to indian political system

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the Indian political system and its key components, such as political parties, the Constitution, and the Election Commission. Students found the lectures clear and easy to follow, offering a good foundational understanding of complex topics like coalition politics and pressure groups. While many appreciate it as a great starting point for beginners, a recurring criticism is that the content feels outdated and doesn't delve deep enough into contemporary political issues, limiting its usefulness for those seeking more advanced or current analysis.
Lectures are clear and easy to understand.
"The lectures were clear and easy to follow, covering the complex topics..."
"the core lecture content was engaging."
"The explanation of pressure groups was also very clear."
"The instructor's delivery was clear."
Provides a solid introduction to Indian politics.
"The course provides an excellent introduction to the Indian political system."
"A solid overview of Indian politics. The syllabus covers key areas..."
"Very informative course! ...Highly recommend for beginners in Indian political science."
"Good foundational course. It helped me understand the structure and function..."
"Solid introductory course. Covers the syllabus points effectively."
Video resolution is sometimes poor.
"However, the quality of the video lectures wasn't always great, sometimes blurry."
"...the production quality of the videos was poor."
Information can feel outdated and lacks depth.
"The information felt a little outdated in parts, especially when discussing recent political developments."
"...it stays at a high level and doesn't delve into current events or debates as much as I hoped."
"The information felt dated, and... It gives a very basic overview, but I expected more depth."
"Could benefit from updated data and examples."
"It's a decent starting point but not comprehensive."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Political Science- Political Party and Politics with these activities:
Review 'India After Gandhi' by Ramachandra Guha
Gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of Indian politics and the evolution of its party system.
View The Cooking of Books: A Literary Memoir on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'India After Gandhi'.
  • Read the sections relevant to party politics, regionalism, and communalism.
  • Take notes on key events, figures, and trends.
  • Reflect on how these historical factors influence contemporary Indian politics.
Review Indian Constitution Basics
Strengthen your understanding of the foundational legal framework within which Indian politics operates.
Show steps
  • Review the Preamble, fundamental rights, and directive principles.
  • Study the structure of the Indian government (President, Parliament, Judiciary).
  • Understand the division of powers between the center and the states.
Compile a List of Major Indian Political Parties
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the key players in the Indian political landscape.
Show steps
  • Organize the information into a table or database.
  • Research national and regional political parties in India.
  • Gather information on their ideologies, leaders, and electoral performance.
  • Include links to official party websites and relevant news articles.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Coalition Politics in India
Deepen your understanding of coalition politics, a crucial aspect of the Indian political system.
Show steps
  • Research the history of coalition governments in India.
  • Analyze the factors that contribute to coalition formation and stability.
  • Prepare a presentation with slides, visuals, and talking points.
  • Present your findings to a study group or online forum.
Review 'The Coalition Years' by Pranab Mukherjee
Gain insights into the inner workings of coalition governments from a key political figure.
View The Coalition Years 1996-2012 on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Coalition Years'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the author's experiences with coalition governments.
  • Identify the key challenges and successes of coalition politics in India.
  • Compare and contrast different coalition governments and their policies.
Write an Essay on the Role of Regional Parties
Analyze the impact of regional parties on Indian politics and their influence on national policy.
Show steps
  • Research the history and evolution of regional parties in India.
  • Examine the factors that contribute to the rise of regionalism.
  • Analyze the impact of regional parties on coalition governments and national policy.
  • Write a well-researched and insightful essay on the topic.
Research Electoral Reforms in India
Investigate the ongoing efforts to improve the Indian electoral system and address issues such as corruption and voter participation.
Show steps
  • Research the history of electoral reforms in India.
  • Identify the key challenges facing the Indian electoral system.
  • Analyze the proposed and implemented electoral reforms.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of these reforms in addressing the challenges.
  • Present your findings in a research paper or presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Political Science- Political Party and Politics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Political Analyst
A political analyst researches and interprets political events and policies, often providing commentary for media outlets or advising political organizations. This course, with its focus on the Indian political system, party dynamics, and the role of pressure groups, is directly relevant to the work of a political analyst. A deep understanding of party systems and how political parties function, as well as familiarity with the election commission and electoral reforms, is vital for someone in this career. The course material, which covers topics like regionalism and communalism, helps build a nuanced understanding of political forces within a nation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Analyst
Policy Analyst
A policy analyst examines existing policies and proposed legislation, seeking to determine their effectiveness, impact, and feasibility. This course, with its discussion of political parties, the Indian constitution, and the structure of government, helps build the crucial knowledge base for a policy analyst. The course’s emphasis on political behavior and the influence of various groups such as pressure groups offers important insight for policy analysis. A policy analyst benefits greatly from understanding structures of governance and how different political entities interact. The course provides background on the role of the election commission, which is vital to understanding the electoral process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Lobbyist
A lobbyist advocates for specific policies and legislation on behalf of an organization or interest group. This course, specifically its sections on political parties and pressure groups, directly applies to a career as a lobbyist. Success as a lobbyist relies on understanding how political parties operate, the ways in which interest groups exert influence, and the overall structure of political power. The course’s discussion of the Indian political system, its constitution, and the powers of government helps build a crucial foundation for a lobbyist who seeks to affect policy at the state or national level. A lobbyist benefits from understanding the dynamics of political engagement, which this course touches on.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist
Political Consultant
A political consultant advises political campaigns and candidates, providing strategic advice on messaging, campaign organization, and voter outreach. This course, with its detailed look at the Indian political landscape, party system, and electoral dynamics, may be useful for an aspiring political consultant. A political consultant needs to understand the nuances of political competition, which this course provides. The study of political participation and pressure groups is highly relevant to a career in campaign management. Understanding the role of the election commission is critical for anyone involved in elections, and this course covers this body in detail. This overview of the structure of Indian politics may be useful for those in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Consultant
Government Relations Specialist
A government relations specialist works to build and maintain relationships between an organization and government entities. This course, which teaches about political systems, parties, and related dynamics, may be useful for a government relations specialist. The course material, notably on the Indian constitution and structure of government, helps build a foundation for understanding the nuances of governmental operations. The study of political entities within a country and their influence is a benefit for this role. Government relations specialists benefit from understanding the intricacies of a political system, which this course helps to provide.
See salaries and explore the career path for Government Relations Specialist
Legislative Assistant
A legislative assistant supports elected officials by researching policy issues, drafting legislation, and managing constituent communications. This course, focused as it is on political systems and legislative processes, is may be useful for a legislative assistant. The course's in-depth look at the Indian constitution, and how laws are made and implemented, may be helpful for someone in this role. Understanding political parties, their roles, and their relations with pressure groups helps build a foundation for assisting in legislative matters. A legislative assistant benefits from understanding the political environment, which this course helps to provide.
See salaries and explore the career path for Legislative Assistant
Public Affairs Specialist
A public affairs specialist manages communication and relationships between an organization and the public, often including government and community stakeholders. A person in this role who understands political parties, structures of governance, pressure groups, and political behavior may be effective. This course, with its overview of Indian politics, is useful for a public affairs specialist. By understanding such topics as the roles of the election commission and political parties, a specialist is better able to navigate the political landscape. This course helps build a more holistic view of how the political system functions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Affairs Specialist
Journalist
A journalist researches and reports on current events, including political issues. This course may be useful for a journalist, particularly one covering Indian politics. The course's coverage of the Indian political system, party dynamics, and the electoral process may assist a journalist better understand and report on these topics. Journalists benefit from understanding the political pressures that shape policy and events, which this course touches on. A journalist focusing on this area may find that the course provides a useful background for their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Campaign Manager
A campaign manager is responsible for the overall strategy and execution of a political campaign. This course, with its study of the Indian political landscape, may be useful for a campaign manager. A campaign manager should know the dynamics of political competition. The study of political parties, pressure groups, and the election commission may help one in this role. The course's focus on political structures and party systems, as well as electoral systems, may help a campaign manager improve strategy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Campaign Manager
Academic Researcher
An academic researcher conducts detailed studies and analysis on a chosen topic, often leading to publications and contributions to scholarship. An academic researcher focused on political science will find value in this course. A researcher studying Indian politics may find that the discussion of political parties, the constitution, and structures of government may add to their knowledge. This course provides a good primer on the topic and may help those beginning their research. Academic researchers in political science may use what they learn here to develop further research areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Researcher
Social Studies Teacher
A social studies teacher educates students on history, civics, and other social sciences. This course may be helpful for a social studies teacher, especially one who teaches Indian politics or civics. The course's material on the Indian constitution, the structure of government, and political parties may provide useful background information for teaching. Social studies teachers benefit from understanding systems of governance, which this course offers. The course material may help a teacher present the subject more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Studies Teacher
Nonprofit Program Manager
A nonprofit program manager oversees the implementation and management of programs to fulfill a nonprofit's mission. This course, with its focus on political systems and power structures, may be useful for a program manager, especially one whose work intersects with governance or advocacy. A nonprofit program manager may benefit from understanding the dynamics between political entities. The course's overview of political structures in India may provide a broader context. Understanding the role of pressure groups may also improve a program manager's approach to community engagement.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager
Community Organizer
A community organizer works to mobilize and empower communities, often by advocating for policy changes or addressing local issues. This course, with its introduction to political structures and the role of pressure groups, may be helpful for a community organizer, particularly in understanding the landscape of political influence. The course material related to political participation might help a community organizer strategize on ways to mobilize effectively. The study of political parties and their power structures may also help a community organizer better understand how to create change in their community.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer
International Relations Specialist
An international relations specialist analyzes and works on diplomatic relations between countries, focusing on political and economic considerations. This course, with its focus on political systems within a country, may be useful. An international relations specialist who works with Indian affairs may benefit from this course, particularly in understanding India's political structure, parties, and internal dynamics, as well as such topics as regionalism. Understanding these internal political dynamics may assist the international relations specialist in their overall work.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Specialist
Paralegal
A paralegal assists lawyers with legal research, document preparation, and case management. While not directly related to the course's focus on political parties and systems, the paralegal field is tangentially related to legal frameworks and governance. The course's discussion of the Indian constitution may help a paralegal who works on matters related to that system. Understanding the overall context of governance may help a paralegal think more holistically about their work. The discussion of laws and the way legal systems are organized may be beneficial in some way to a paralegal.
See salaries and explore the career path for Paralegal

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Political Science- Political Party and Politics.
Cover image
The Cooking of Books
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Indian politics and society since independence. It offers valuable context for understanding the evolution of the Indian party system, regionalism, and communalism. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the historical forces shaping contemporary Indian politics, which is essential for this course.
The Cooking of Books: A Literary Memoir
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Coalition Years, 1996-2012
Save
Offers an insider's perspective on the era of coalition politics in India. Written by a prominent political figure, it provides valuable insights into the challenges and dynamics of coalition governance. Reading this book will enhance your understanding of the complexities of Indian party politics and the role of coalition governments.
The Coalition Years 1996-2012
Hardcover
$$

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Rating
4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
10.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Dr. Swati Chakraborty
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the Indian political system within the framework of the Constitution, which is useful for students studying Indian politics or comparative government
Examines the structure of the Indian government, including the roles of the President, Prime Minister, and the bicameral legislature, which is helpful for understanding Indian governance
Discusses the Election Commission's composition, powers, and electoral reforms, which is relevant for those interested in election processes and political participation
Investigates the dynamics of regionalism and communalism in India, including their meanings, causes, types, and impacts, which is important for understanding social and political challenges
Analyzes the evolution of the party system in India, from the dominance of the Congress party to the era of coalition politics, which is useful for understanding the historical context
Requires learners to understand the basics of political science, which may not be suitable for those without any prior knowledge of the field
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