Political party is an organised group of people having common ideology and its aim is to contest elections and come to power.
Four characteristics of political parties are given below:
(i) Political parties seek control over the government through the process of election.
(ii) Parties run the government. They ensure that a country is governed as per set ideologies.
(iii) Parties frame their own policies in the form of manifestos which includes their vision on the basis of which they would establish governance in the country.
(iv) Political parties make laws and policies for the country.Members of thelegislature belongs to various political parties and are guided by party ideologies.
(v) Parties give representation to diverse interest in society and give recognition to minorities.
(vi) A political party has a leader, active members and followers who support the party.