Functions of Political Parties 
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Contest elections
Introduce various policies and programmes for the people
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Play an important role in decision-making to legislate and execute
Parties, when successful in elections, form and run the government
Candidates are put forward by parties to contest in elections and chosen by the members of the party
Parties, if they lose, become the opposition parties and play the role of criticizing the government
Parties help the citizenry to access the government’s policies and acts
They create a manifesto listing the laws and decisions that will be implemented if they are voted to power.
It is the function of a political party to put up candidates that can help in the elections.
Parties mould the public’s opinion on various issues. They can help them form an opinion and can also influence them to alter their opinion.
Laws are usually debated and passed in the legislature.
They strive to bring out decisions and policies that will help them to remain in power.
It should be made compulsory for political parties to maintain a register of its members and follow its own constitution. Political parties should have an independent authority, to act as a judge in case of party disputes. It should have open elections to the highest posts.
The top leaders of the party are responsible for the selection of their candidates.
Parties provide the common man access to government machinery and welfare schemes. It is easier for a person to meet a local party leader than a government official.
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The opposition party scrutinizes the laws made by the ruling government in order to point out their short-comings.
Parties draw together people who have similar political philosophies and ideas. Whilst these people may not agree on all matters (hence the existence of factions and “tendencies”), parties are a means by which people of broadly similar interests can meet, organise and campaign.
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These parties, when successful in elections, form and run the government.
They play an important role in decision-making to legislate and execute.
They introduce various policies and programmes for the people.
They contest elections.
Parties are the chief means by which political power is exercised in Australia. All Federal, State and Territory governments are composed of people who belong to political parties. Electors usually vote for parties, rather than for individual candidates.
Role of opposition: Those who lose the elections become the opposition and they question and criticise the policies of the government. They represent different views and keep the ruling party in check.
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. Once they are in power, they try to enact laws and start programmes that promote the well being of all its citizens.