functions of political parties

Question 1

1st function = R

Answer 1

-representation
-they articulate and express public opinion
-develop policies designed to appeal to public
-BUT because of FPTP, parties tend to only actually gain support of around 35% of the electorate, so how can they represent the views of the whole public?

Question 2

2nd function = FP

Answer 2

-formulate policy
-policies are outlined in manifesto
-argued that parties now are more reactive (reacting to public’s views) rather than proactive (creating own distinct policy)
-whilst policies tend to have positive impacts, often parties will go back on a manifesto promise as it’s not set in stone - e.g. in 2019, Johnson promised to build 40 hospitals, but only ended up refurbishing 6

Question 3

3rd function = RL

Answer 3

-recruit leaders
-parties are mechanisms by which aspiring politicians enter government
-but these leaders often come from a limited pool and may have limited experience of life outside politics, which doesn’t set them up well for leading the ordinary public

Question 4

4th function = OG

Answer 4

-organise government
-partied form governments and ensure that a government is stable
-they also provide an opposition to government
-but decline in party unity since 1970s means its much harder for a single party to form a stable government

Question 5

5th function = FP

Answer 5

-foster participation
-parties give the public an opportunity to be involved in politics
-e.g. through becoming a party member, voting in elections etc
-but partisan dealignment has occurred recently and political parties are seen to be more removed from the public which leads to less participation
-also, turnout is decreasing - e.g. 2019 = 67%, so parties aren’t really effectively increasing participation