Political parties

Question

What are the functions of a Political Party?

Answer 1

Political parties play several crucial roles in a democracy:

1. Representation: They represent different segments of society, advocating for their interests and ensuring their voices are heard in the political process.

2. Policy Formulation: Political parties develop and promote policies and programs that reflect their ideologies and address public issues.

3. Government Formation: They contest elections to form the government and implement their policies.

4. Political Education: Parties educate the public about political issues, encouraging informed and active participation in the democratic process.

5. Organizing Government: Winning parties provide leadership and structure within the government, making decisions and enacting laws.

6. Opposition Role: In addition to governing, parties in opposition hold the ruling party accountable, ensuring transparency and integrity.

Political parties are essential for a vibrant and functional democracy.

Answer 2

A political party is a group of people holding similar opinions on issues related to governance, development and society.

Functions of Political Parties:

(i) Contesting elections and winning power: The main function of political parties is to contest elections and win power. Most of the electoral fight happens between candidates put forward by different political parties.

(ii) Selecting candidates and Election Campaigning: Political parties select candidates which will represent them in the elections and also conduct election campaigns in order to win public support.

(iii) Formulating public opinion: Political parties shape the opinions of the general public. They also raise the issues concerning the general public in their day to day lives.

(iv) Governing the country: The party or coalition of parties which wins a majority of seats form the government and governs the country. They make laws and policies for the welfare of the people.

(v) Sitting in the opposition: The parties which fail to become a part of government sit in the opposition. They play a very important role in keeping a check on the ruling government and also raise the issues and demands of the people.