Political Parties - Functions Of Parties

Question 1

Functions - representation

Answer 1

• they represent the views of large sections of society and act in their interests

Question 2

Functions - participation

Answer 2

• parties enable individuals to participate effectively in the political process and the influence decisions that effect their lives

Question 3

Functions - elections

Answer 3

• they offer the electorate choice in elections

Question 4

Functions - organisation and education

Answer 4

• they organise and bring together a variety of demands into coherent politcial programmes
• educate and inform the general public

Question 5

Features of political parties

Answer 5

• aim to become a government by putting up candidates for election & mobilising support
• organised bodies with a formal membership
• parties typically address a broad issue focus, addressing major issues of government policy
• united by shared political preferences and ideologies

Question 6

Left wing

Answer 6

• ideas that are introduce change into the political system
• look to make society more equal and favour the group solution above the individual & support state intervention and collectivism
• usually associated with welfare, economic intervention and wealth redistribution

Question 7

Right wing

Answer 7

• emphasis on a widespread cceptance of the status quo and the need for stability in society
• seek to give individuals more freedom
• favour the market and individualism
• support low tax, limited welfare and free market econmics

Question 8

Political parties - enhancing democracy

Answer 8

• encourage people to participate in politics (campaigning, voting, standing for office)
• provide voters with choice
• educate & inform the electorate about key political issues
• uphold the authority in parliament
• facilitate represtenation
• legitimate political systems ensure there is a peaceful transition of power after election’s

Question 9

Political parties - threatning democracies

Answer 9

• turnout at elections is not very high, indicate that the publics faith in political parties is low
• may oversimplify issues or present information in a misleading way, especially in election campaigns
• rich interest groups can become very influential wen it comes to donations for parties
• often fail to represent minority groups