Functions of Political Parties :
(i) Candidates are put forward by political parties to contest elections. These candidates may be chosen by the top leaders or by members of the party. In some countries like USA, members and supporters of a party choose its candidate.
(ii) Parties put forward their policies and programmes for voters to choose from them. A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by the ruling party (Political party then runs government).
(iii) Political parties play a major role in making laws for the country. No law can become a bill unless majority parties support it.
(iv) Political parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes. It is easy for the public to approach their local party leader than a government officer. The local party leader has to listen to the public demand, otherwise people can reject them in the next elections.
(v) Parties shape public opinion. They raise and highlight issues. Parties sometimes also launch movements for the resolution of the problem faced by the people.