What Can Political Parties Be Defined As?

Political parties are groups of like-minded people who agree to abide by a set of rules and set put to win political power in order to achieve common goals. Parties normally put up candidates for election and attempt to win power through the ballot box or by other means. Political parties exist to perform functions which are essential for the working of the democratic political system.

One of the main functions of parties is the governing function. The British government is formed by the party with an overall majority in the House of Commons or by a coalition with another party, which is an rare occurrence. The leader of the governing party becomes the Prime Minister and he or she then appoints a cabinet. Parties also have an electoral function. This involves parties choosing candidates at local and national elections. The electorate is therefore able to hold the elected candidate responsible for policy successes or failures. Parties also have a representative function a recruitment and participation function.