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Functions of parties - Coggle Diagram
Functions of parties
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Features
an organisational structure that develops policy, recruits members and candidates
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Electing a leader
The members of a political party play an important role in the election of the party leader. For example in the Conservative party, the parliamentary party will choose 2 MPs, and then the members of the Conservative party vote for who will become the next leader
Labour use 'One member, one vote', and if a candidate is able to secure the backing of at least 10% of Labour MPs, they are put on the ballot for Labour party members to vote on
Campaigning
The way in which political parties campaign during elections plays a key part in the democratic process. Party activists will deliver leaflets, canvass voters on the doorstep and arrange political hustings so that voters understand the choice between the candidates
The grassroots Labour movement, Momentum, in particular has appreciated the importance of getting its political message across through social media. Political parties are increasingly using the internet to engage with voter between, a well as during elections
Representation
Parties claim to have a representative function, as many parties have in the past, claimed to represent a specific section of society. e.g. The Labour Party was developed in the early 20th century particularly to represent the working classes and especially trade unions. The Conservative Party of the 19th Century largely existed to protect the interests of the landed gentry and aristocracy
Both Parties now claim to represent national issues. These days, when one suggests parties have a representative function, they mean that they seek to ensure that all groups in society have their interests and demands at least considered by government
Selecting Candidates
Parties need to find prospective local councillors, elected mayors in localities where such a position exists (such as London and Manchester), and most importantly they have to select candidates to run as members of parliament.
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