the functions and features of political parties

Question 1

what are the features of a political party

Answer 1

-associations of people who hold similar political views +wish to promote them
seek to gain gov at local regional and national levels
hierarchy consisting of leaders activists and followers
most have system membership

Question 2

what are the functions of a political party

Answer 2

improve society
select suitable candidates for office at all levels
identify and train political leaders at all levels
educate public on important issues
provide opportunities for people to participate in politics
opposition hold gov to account

Question 3

How are political parties funded

Answer 3

membership subscriptions
fundraising events
donations
loans from wealthy individuals or banks
self financing of candidates
labour =trade union
conservative=wealthy donors
short money=grants funds for research depending on part size
2 mill from electoral commision

Question 4

proposals for reform of party funding

Answer 4

restrictions on size of individual donations to parties like US
restrictions on how much they can spend
restrict donations to individuals
replace all funding for state grants-paid out of general taxation