One-Party vs. Multi-Party Systems

This essay analyzes the differences between one-party and multi-party political systems, using China and India as contrasting examples. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of each system, focusing on their impact on the establishment and maintenance of the rule of law. The essay argues that while both systems have their limitations, the multi-party system in India offers a more robust framework for upholding the rule of law due to increased accountability and the representation of diverse interests. The essay concludes that while China's one-party system provides stability, it lacks the checks and balances inherent in a multi-party system, potentially leading to limitations on freedom of expression and the suppression of dissenting voices. The essay supports its arguments with references to scholarly articles and reputable sources.

establishment of rule of law china VS
INDIA

One Party System Vs Multi-Party System
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................2
One Party System....................................................................................................................2
Multi-Party System.................................................................................................................2
Rule Of Law............................................................................................................................2
China- A One Party System....................................................................................................3
India- A Multi-Party System...................................................................................................3
Benefits And Challenges Of One Party System Over Multi-Party System................................3
Benefits of one party vs. multi-party system..........................................................................3
Challenges of One Party System Vs Multiple Party System..................................................3
Establishment of ‘Rule Of Law’.................................................................................................5
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................5
Reference....................................................................................................................................6
1

One Party System Vs Multi-Party System
INTRODUCTION
This assignment is focused on one party and multi-party systems that whether China is better
or India is more appropriate for establishing the rule of law. The further explanation is
concerned with the benefits and comparison of one party and multi-party system over one
another.
One Party System
Also known as single party state, single party system, and one party state is that type of state
where only one party has the right of forming the government, usually established by existing
constitution. Other parties have the only limited allowance or sometimes outlawed for taking a
controlled and limited participation in the elections. Unlike one party system, sometimes, the
term de facto one party system is used for describing a dominant party system that allows
nominal multiparty elections. But in that case also, there are no chances of winning for those
opposition parties as the political power or existing practices intercepts them from winning.
One party states are explained in various ways. Supporters of one party system state that due
to the existence of single party system, there runs unity in a nation. Some say, one party is a
driving force for a nation, and therefore the right to rule should not be questioned.
The Soviet government argued about class struggle was represented by multiple parties, which
was absent in Soviet society, and thus the Soviet Union only had a single party: the
Communist Party.
Multi-Party System
A multi-party system is that system where there are a multiple political parties and all of them
work for national elections as all have the chance to win and gain the control of government
offices in the union or individually by the votes of the population of that country. These are
seen to be more common in countries having systems of parliament than in presidential
systems. And are way more common in countries using proportional representation than those
who use first-past-the-post elections. Examples of a multi-party system are India, Brazil, Italy,
Israel, New Zealand, Pakistan, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Germany, Sri Lanka, etc. These
countries do not have a single party having the parliamentary majority by itself rather multiple
parties form unions to develop power blocks for governing.
A multi-party system, unlike a one party system, stimulates the constituency for forming
political parties, i.e., various distinctive, recognized official groups. Every party competes for
getting votes by the voters of the country. It averts the leadership of a single party without
challenges from controlling a particular legislative chamber. ("Multi-Party System")
Rule Of Law
Rule of law is a legal principle defining that a nation should be governed by law rather than
being governed by random decisions of individual governments. It refers to the impact of law
on the country, certainly as a constraint including the behavior of government officials within
the society. This rule of law integrates that every citizen of a country is bound to the law.
China- A One Party System
China is ruled by a political party named, the communist party of China(CPC). The
communist party is the only ruling party in China. Other than CPC, there are eight other legal
parties comprising the united front. Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao were the founders of the
communist party, and it was founded in 1921. The communist party is currently considered as
2

One Party System Vs Multi-Party System
the second largest political party in the world with 88.76 million members. ("Communist
Party Of China")
India- A Multi-Party System
In India, the politics take place within the boundaries of the Constitution of India as India is a
democratic republic, and, the prime minister is the leader of the government, and the president
is the leader of the country. India runs on a system of dual policy, i.e., a double government
consisting the states at the edge and central government at the center/focus. The Constitution
of India defines the limitations and powers of both the state and central governments and is
considered as a rigid, supreme and well recognized, i.e., the laws of the nation must confirm
to it. India is based on a multi-party system, where various regional and national parties are
existing. A regional party rules a particular state if it gains the majority. For being a national
party, a party must represent in more than four states. ("Politics Of India")
Benefits And Challenges Of One Party System Over Multi-Party
System
Benefits of one party vs. multi-party system
One party system helps in the stable administration establishment which helps in the progress
of the country whereas the multi-party system does not have a stable administration as there
are various political parties. Under one party system, execution and formation are possible for
long term where as the multi-party system focuses more on legislating and governing
rightfully. The country which runs on one party system achieves remarkable economic
progress as the government focuses all its energy on the increase in the production of the
country.
A multi-party system encourages participation from different ethnic, social and political
groups. In one party system, the administration is more efficient as the power is in the hand of
one leader which gives rise to the discipline and unity of the country. A multi-party system
brings experience into governance, legislation, and administration, and helps in fostering the
unity among the followers of various political ideologies. (Arjun, 2016)
Challenges of One Party System Vs Multiple Party System
One party system brings various challenges for the people of that country as the system is in
the hands of a particular party and no other party is in the power of opposing the decisions. So
there is no freedom of expression. Whereas, in the multi-party system, it prevents the
dominant ideology from becoming the political ideology. In one party system, dictatorship
emerges, and no regard is given to the views of different interests of different classes. The
government becomes absolute, and hindrance of the individual personalities develops as the
social freedoms are crushed. Whereas in the multi party, reaching a consensus becomes
difficult in political and social issues. There is an overbearing influence of opponents and
terrorism in the single party state. The dictators misuse their power to maintain their position
and honor and adopt policies of war and victory, harmful for the country.
In a multi party system, often after elections, party unions may not work well, and a political
party with a violent agenda may get elected in power which can be miserable. ("What are the
advantages and disadvantages of a multiparty system?", 2016)
3

One Party System Vs Multi-Party System
Establishment of ‘Rule Of Law.'
Rule of law is a legal principle defining that a nation should be governed by law rather than
being governed by random decisions of individual governments. It refers to the impact of law
on the country, certainly as a constraint including the behavior of government officials within
the society. This rule of law integrates that every citizen of a country is subject to the law,
including the law makers of that country themselves.
The rule of law contrasts with the governments based on dictatorship, oligarchy or autocracy
where the rulers are considered above the law. But a lack of the rule of law can be found in
democracies as well in cases of ignorance or neglect the law. The rule of law can only be well
established when the government has sufficient corrective measures for restoring the law.
Governments that are based on the rule of law are known as nomocracy.
In China, the transformation to a market economy has been a significant reason for moving
towards the rule of law, as the rule of law is important for economic development and foreign
investors. It is still unclear whether this rule will be only limited to commercial matters or will
be implemented in other areas as well. And if so, whether the implementation will enhance the
related aspects like human rights or democracy or not. The rule of law has been widely
debated and discussed by politicians and legal scholars in China. ("Rules of the party", 2014)
In India, the constitution of India is considered to have the longest text in the history of the
world, since 1950, that has governed the country. The constitution of India has been intended
to provide the details that can bound the chances for judicial judgment but the more text in the
constitution gives a great opportunity to the judiciary to conduct judicial review. According to
an Indian journalist, Harish Khare, the constitution or the rule of law is in danger of being
replaced by the rule of judges. ("Rule of law", 2016)
The communist party in China has the authorisation control over all areas of the society which
makes the rule of law weak in China. Poor people have very fewer chances of addressing their
problems or grievances in a case of any dispute with the powerful businesses or government.
Corruption and poverty exist in India as well but the judiciary is overworked, and India has a
strong establishment of ‘the rule of law’. ("indie vs. china", 2016). Hence, we can say that
India, a multi-party system is better in establishing the ‘rule of law.'
Conclusion
This assignment concludes that both China and India, one party system and multi-party
system has its limitations and challenges but India, a multi-party system is better in
establishing the rule of law. As there are various parties fighting to win and get the power, it
becomes very important for the political party in power to consider al the problems of all the
classes to remain its position in the country. Whereas the one-party system, China has a stable
government who is dominant and does not give the people from poor classes, a chance to
address their issues and people from a one party system does not have freedom of expression.
This concludes that a multi-party system, that is India in our case is better in establishing the
‘rule of law.'
4

One Party System Vs Multi-Party System
Reference
"Communist Party Of China." Wikipedia. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2016.
"Multi-Party System." Wikipedia. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2016.
"One-Party State." Wikipedia. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2016.
"Politics Of India." Wikipedia. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2016.
Arjun, K. (2016). One-Party System: Meaning, Merits and Demerits of One Party System.
Preservearticles.com. Retrieved 12 August 2016, from
http://www.preservearticles.com/2014081433546/one-party-system-meaning-merits-and-
demerits-of-one-party-system.html
india vs. china. (2016). Academia.edu. Retrieved 12 August 2016, from
http://www.academia.edu/210156/india_vs._china
Rule of law. (2016). Wikipedia. Retrieved 12 August 2016, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_law
Rule of law. (2016). Wikipedia. Retrieved 12 August 2016, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_law#Asia
Rules of the party. (2014). The Economist. Retrieved 12 August 2016, from
http://www.economist.com/news/china/21629528-call-revive-countrys-constitution-will-not-
necessarily-establish-rule-law-rules
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a multiparty system?. (2016). Reference.
Retrieved 12 August 2016, from https://www.reference.com/government-politics/advantages-
disadvantages-multiparty-system-dde01a0dafa8b87f#
5