class 12th pol science chapter 5 notes
Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System
Introduction and Quick Review of the Chapter
The chapter “Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System” in class 12th Pol Science Chapter 5 notes gives a clear picture of India’s political journey after independence. It explains how the Congress Party became dominant in the early years, the challenges it faced after Nehru’s death, and the leadership of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi. It also discusses events like the 1967 elections, the Congress split, and the rise of coalition politics. Overall, these class 12th Pol Science Chapter 5 notes help students understand how India’s democratic system evolved and became more competitive over time.
What Is the Congress System?
After independence, India adopted a multi-party system. However, Indian scholar Rajni Kothari described it as a “Congress system” due to the party’s dominance between 1952 and 1964. Similarly, Morris Jones called this phase “one-party dominance.” During this time, Congress acted as both the ruling party and the main opposition, maintaining a democratic balance — a key theme discussed in the class 12th Pol Science Chapter 5 notes.
The First General Election (1951–1952)
After the Constitution came into force in 1950, preparations began for India’s first general elections. The Election Commission, led by Sukumar Sen, conducted the elections from October 1951 to February 1952. Congress won a clear majority, marking the start of one-party dominance in India.
Challenges for the Election Commission
The Election Commission faced several challenges:
Conducting free and fair elections
Demarcating constituencies
Preparing voter lists
Training election staff
These details, as noted in the class 12th Pol Science Chapter 5 notes, show the strong foundation of India’s democratic system.
One-Party Dominance in India vs. Other Nations
Unlike authoritarian systems in countries like Mexico or China, India’s one-party dominance under Congress was democratic and based on free elections and public trust.
Reasons for Congress Dominance
Leadership during the freedom struggle
Strong organization and national presence
Popular leaders like Nehru and Indira Gandhi
Inclusive approach to governance
Leadership Transitions and Crises
After Nehru’s death in 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri became Prime Minister. His leadership during the 1965 war and the food crisis was crucial, though short-lived. After his death, Indira Gandhi rose to power and introduced major economic and political reforms.
The Fourth General Election (1967): A Turning Point
The 1967 elections marked the end of Congress’s unquestioned dominance. Opposition parties gained strength, and non-Congress governments formed in several states — a major shift discussed in class 12th Pol Science Chapter 5 notes.
The Congress Split and Indira’s Revival (1969–1971)
Indira Gandhi’s conflict with the Syndicate led to the 1969 Congress split. Her socialist policies, including bank nationalization and the slogan “Garibi Hatao,” helped her secure a landslide victory in the 1971 elections, restoring Congress’s power.
Coalition Politics and the Two-Party Era
The chapter also highlights the rise of coalition politics after the 1977 elections. The Janata Party’s formation, followed by the return of Congress in 1980, showed India’s shift toward multi-party competition. Later, alliances like NDA and UPA became the new face of Indian politics.
Conclusion
The class 12th Pol Science Chapter 5 notes on “Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System” summarize how Congress shaped India’s early democracy, faced major challenges, and regained its strength under Indira Gandhi. The chapter helps students understand India’s transition from one-party rule to coalition politics and the continuous evolution of democratic competition. Studying these class 12th Pol Science Chapter 5 notes gives students deep insight into India’s political development and its lasting impact on the nation’s governance.
Final Thoughts
The class 12th Pol Science Chapter 5 notes on Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System give a complete understanding of how India’s democracy evolved after independence. From the early dominance of the Congress to the rise of opposition parties and coalition politics, this chapter highlights how political competition strengthened the nation. These notes help students connect historical events with India’s present political structure.
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