'Political Parties' perform the following functions in a democracy:
(i) Parties contest elections : In most of the democratic countries, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put up by the political parties. Parties select their candidates in different ways in India. Top party leaders choose candidates for contesting elections.
(ii) Parties put forward different policies and programmes: Each one may have different opinion and views on what policies are suitable for society. In democracy, large number of similar opinions are grouped together to provide a direction in which policies can be formulated by the government. Making these policies is the function of political parties. The government is expected to make its policies on the time taken by the ruling party.
(iii) Parties make laws for the country : Though laws are passed by the legislature but since most of the members belong to a party, they go by the direction of party leadership, irrespective of their personal opinions.
(iv) Parties form and run government : Political parties recruit leaders, train them and make them ministers to runthe government in the way they want.
(v) Parties play role of the opposition to the parties in power : They voice different views and criticise government for its failures or wrong policies. Opposition parties also mobilise opposition to the government.
(vi) Parties shape public opinion: They shape public opinion by raising and highlighting issues. They do these through pressure groups, which
are the extensions of political parties and also launch movements for resolutions of problems faced by the people.
(vii) Parties provide people access to government welfare schemes : For an ordinary citizen, it is easier to approach a local party leader than a government officer. They feel close to party even if they do not fully trust them. Even parties have to be responsive to the people's needs and demands otherwise people can reject the parties in next elections.