A political party is an organization that coordinates candidates to compete in a particular country's elections and has three main components: followers, active members, and leaders
. Some key characteristics of political parties include:
- Access to government machinery and welfare schemes : Political parties play a role in making laws and running governments, which can provide benefits to their supporters
- Role in Making Laws : Parties help in formulating and implementing policies that can affect the lives of their supporters
- Form and Run Governments : Political parties are responsible for governing and managing the administration of a country
- Contesting Elections : Parties contest in elections to gain political power and influence
- Organization : Political parties have a formal structure, with active members responsible for coordinating party behavior and implementing policies
- Ideological Goals : Many political parties are motivated by ideological goals, such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism, populism, nationalism, or Islamism
- Party-in-the-Electorate : This refers to the voters who identify with a particular party and participate in the political process
- Party Organization : The party organization is responsible for coordinating everything the party does in its quest for office and in office
- Coalition Building : Political parties can help bring together coalitions of electors to agree on ideal policy choices
- Patronage and Clientelism : Some political parties may primarily be engaged in patronage, clientelism, or the advancement of a specific political entrepreneur
In summary, political parties are essential organizations in democratic systems, as they help in governing, making laws, contesting elections, and providing a sense of unity and purpose to their supporters. They also play a crucial role in organizing the electorate and influencing policy decisions.
