2.1a Functions and Features of Political Parties

Question 1

Define Political parties introduction

Answer 1

A political party is a group of similarly minded people who aim to achieve their objectives by fielding candidates for election to political office.

A political party puts the policies it aims to pass into law in its manifesto, which is a document listing policy pledges.

The party that wins power as a result of electoral victory earns a mandate, which is when a political party or decision-maker has the authority to make decisions or put policies in place.

Question 2

Functions of UK Political Parties: Political participation

Answer 2

Political parties allow people to have a greater participation in politics by becoming members of the party and so increase their involvement in the democratic process.

Parties also aim to increase political engagement by educating citizens on political issues.

Question 3

Functions of UK Political Parties: Government and opposition roles

Answer 3

Parties ensure that a single government is formed as a result of the general election which is able to safely pass its legislation through the House of Commons.

Parties also perform the role of the opposition parties who check the actions of the government and hold it to account.

Question 4

Functions of UK Political Parties: Representation

Answer 4

A key role of politicl parties is representing their members.

The Labour Party’s membership has been increasing under Jeremy Corbyn, growing by nearly 200,000 members since December 2015.

But, overall party membership has been declining since the 1950s - so this role has changed in recent years.
Political parties represent the wider public in Parliament, regional parliaments and assemblies, and in local councils.