October 21, Slides 5-6 Flashcards
What are political parties?
Organizations of people motivated by shared political ideas, whose fundamental purpose is to elect their members to political office and influence governance.
Why are political parties necessary for mass democracy?
They provide structure for political organization, enable participation, and act as institutions for organizing and communicating diverse opinions.
How do political parties function as communication mediums?
They serve as conduits for information flow between the electorate and the government, representing public interests and informing citizens about policies and decisions.
What is one challenge political parties face in representation?
Balancing collective representation with the diversity of opinions within their membership, while maintaining ideological coherence and broad voter appeal.
How do political parties influence governance?
By structuring legislative debate, coordinating elected representatives, and shaping policy-making processes to ensure stability and represent public grievances.
What are political parties, and how do they contribute to governance in representative democracies?
Political parties are organized groups driven by shared political ideologies with the goal of electing their members to office. They contribute to governance by structuring political debates, organizing legislative processes, and bridging the gap between citizens and government institutions. They simplify complex political choices for voters and ensure accountability of elected representatives.
How do political parties act as mediums of political communication, and why is this role significant?
Political parties facilitate the flow of information from the public (demos) to the government, expressing public demands and grievances while conveying policy proposals and legislative priorities back to citizens. This role is critical as it ensures public participation in the democratic process, shapes political discourse, and provides feedback loops essential for responsive governance.
