Functions of political parties and their role in a democratic polity

they nominate candidates during elections;
they campaign to obtain support for their candidates in the elections;
they place objectives and programmes before the voters through their manifestos;
those securing the majority in elections form the government and enact and implement the policies;
Those not in power form opposition and keep a constant check on the government;
they form opposition when they are in minority in the legislature and constantly put pressure on the government for proper governance;
they educate people and help in formulating and shaping public opinion;
they articulate peoples’ demands and convey them to the government; and
they provide a linkage between people and governmental institutions.