Democracies that follow a federal system all over the world tend to have two kinds of political parties : Parties that are present in only one of the federal units and parties that are present in several or all units of the national level. Every party in the country has to register with the Election Commission. Parties that get a unique symbol and some other special facilities are 'recognized' by the Election Commission for this purpose. That is why these parties are called, 'recognized political parties'. A party that secures at least six percent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a State and wins at least two seats is recognized as a 'State Party.' For example- Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena, DMK etc. A party that secures at least six percent of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four states and wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognized as a 'National party.' For example- BJP, Indian National Congress.