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.