Functions of Parties

• Party

  A party is a group of people drawn together by a similar set of beliefs, known as an ideology.
• Party

  Some seek to form government, whilst others are more focussed on winning at a local level (grassroots).
• Representation

  Parties may represent groups or interests. e.g Labour representing the working class.

  By having parties, individuals can easily identify a party or individual they can vote for.

  However some argue that parties present a pre-packaged set of ideas, that voters may only like a few of.
• Participation

  Parties encourage political support. Involves meeting members of public and media.

  Parties often encourage members to shape policy, most also allow votes on different issues such as party leader.
• Forming policy

  Parties research and formulate ideas, helping to keep government fresh and society progressing.

  Even smaller parties can help form policy, e.g UKIP and Brexit.

  However parties often criticised for offering vague soundbites instead of detailed policy.

  Additionally parties are often criticised for attacking opponents for the sake of it rather debating constructively.
• Providing government 


  Larger parties are well structured with layers of bureaucracy and vetting procedures.

  As a result they should provide high quality candidates.

  However individuals often become career politicians.