Free Essay

Political Parties

In: Other Topics

Submitted By ssherjeelr
Words 1378
Pages 6
Q) Discuss the role of political parties in contemporary democracies. Assess whether parties have retained their position or are in a decline or ascent? Consider arguments both in favour and against your judgment.

A) In the twenty-first century, the term democracy doesn't just bring to mind the idea of people power; instead it prompts the idea of the existence of several political parties. The changing face of democracy has much to owe to the evolution of the political party system in the world today. Political parties seem to have become an engraved concept of democracy nowadays because of the significant role they play in the prevalent democratic systems. On face value a political party is a group of individuals representing certain views and attempting to gain power through the process of elections and translating these views into policies. However, they have several purposes, that upon being fulfilled act like building blocks to form the wall of democracy as we know it today. These include, but are not limited to, the formation of a government, representation of populist ideas, provision of a political platform for individuals, and the setting of goals for society which of course are coherent with what the masses desire. Moreover parties may also represent a certain faction of society which could be ethnic, religious or a certain class, much like interest groups do. These purposes of political parties are parallel to the essential principles of democracy, hence playing an overwhelming role in democracy as a form of government. However, there are certain downsides of these functions, such as recruitment of only a limited amount of individuals, failure in policy implementation and domination by interest groups, and last but not least, the old combination of favoritism and nepotism. Such drawbacks only decline the importance of parties in contemporary democracy, a debate that will be discussed further on in this essay.

Political parties attract voters and members because of the distinct views they uphold. If their views and potential policies appeal to society members, they will either vote for that party or join the party and become potential candidates. Ultimately, should the concerned party or parties come to power, the desires and needs of society are represented in the parliament and an attempt is made to pass them on as laws. This makes it seem like politicians are producers of a service and voters are simply consumers who desire that service. This criticism is referred to as the Rational Choice theorists. Nevertheless,this relationship between society members and parties works both ways. Political parties also, more often than not, change their stances and shape their policies to cater to the views of the masses in an attempt to procure their support.
Since it is responsive to the predominant goal of democracy, that is to represent the views of the people, this may well be the primary purpose of a political party.

The other significant role political parties play in contemporary democracies is the formation of a government. This may be based on proportional representation or on the largest single majority, as mentioned above. Once a government is formed, parties may work on their agendas and proceed to pass bills or make laws in accordance to the demand of the masses; primarily those who voted for them. When this process starts to smooth out over a period of time, and the parliament becomes active and functionary, political stability is established or in some cases restored. In case of proportional representation, coalition governments may be formed so collective goals across all spectrums of society can be achieved. At the same time opposing parties may keep the work of the government in check through constructive criticism.

One very significant role played by political parties is that they provide platforms for individuals to excel in politics, and hence great leaders are born. These leaders transform from ordinary members of parties, gather all the skills and experience the party exposes them to, and eventually run for office. For example, the likes of Margaret Thatcher and John F. Kennedy could not have accomplished what they did without having platforms in the form of political parties at their disposal. Even their cult of personality was arguably developed partially with their association with their respective parties.

A contemporary democratic system moves the country forward in a direction that is desired by the majority of the people of the nation.Political parties have a pivotal role to play in this process as they draft policies and set goals that either appeal to the public or are in sync with what the public wants. These policies are aimed at attaining the greater good of the people and without the formulation of such goals the government would fail to function adequately.

Some political parties also act as representatives of certain sects of society such as classes, religions or ethnic groups.The UK Labour Party for example was initially created to forward the interest of the working class. When more of these parties exist in a democratic government they may work together and collaborate resources to collectively work towards the attainment of the wants of the different sects of society.

One may conclude that political parties are vital components of the contemporary democratic system. However, as mentioned earlier, they are not flawless and certainly have some downsides. First of all, there is only a fraction of individuals who get the chance to run for office and they do so over and over again, depriving others of the same opportunity. This may limit the chances of progression for the country.

Furthermore, political parties can only draft policies but the process of implementation is carried out by the bureaucracies, and this process is known as red tapism. As a result, political parties cannot guarantee that the policies are implemented successfully and the public is ultimately disappointed.

Moreover, parties that represent certain interest groups, as listed above, only work for the interest of their supporters, neglecting the rest of the public. Many developing countries face this problem. For example Pakistan, which follows a parliamentary democratic system, has several political parties. Each party stands for just one sect of society based on the province associated with its members. Lastly, all but few parties possess elements of nepotism and favouritism. For example, the Democratic party in the USA is vastly influenced by the Kennedy family.

These drawbacks downplay the significance of parties in democracy today. Hence,one may argue that political parties are in a state of decline. The following evidence suggests in developed, democratic countries such as the United Kingdom, the popularity and membership of political parties has declined in recent years. In 1971, the Conservatives had membership of 1.3 million and the Labour Party had membership of 876,000. In 2011, the figures had fallen to 177,000 and 190,000 respectively.

Protest movements and anti-politics have seemed to gained popularity in recent years. This is because, the youth is more attracted to movements that are easy to be a part of and have a more focused agenda, such as peace movements or women’s rights. Also, in recent years, individuals such as Ross Perot gathered massive support for their movements.

Lastly, parties do not always fulfill their promises. Many a times they fail to implement what they campaign for, owing to factors such as corruption and personal ambition. Therefore, people fear disappointment again and again and therefore lose confidence in the ability of political parties to deliver.

Political parties are without doubt a very central component of the contemporary democratic system. They play significant roles that help a country move in a positive direction and achieve democratic goals. However, in several aspects, they are in a state of decline because of certain practices that lead to incompetence and failure. In addition to this, the public grows increasingly cynical of their intentions and ability to perform. The recent growth in popularity of independent movements only negates the importance of political parties. Despite this, political parties go hand in hand with democratic principles. However objectionable their methods and success may be, it is difficult to imagine one existing without the other. If they do manage to overcome their obstacles and criticism, the question of their decline may not exist anymore.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Political Parties

...I used to believe that the two party system was ideal for the American People and  American Government as a whole. It allowed individuals to align themselves closest to the  political party for which held their beliefs. “The first major political division between the  Federalists and Antifederalists established a precedent that continued over time and ultimately  resulted in the domination of the two party system.” 1  This two party system hold so much power that the democrats and republicans make it  nearly impossible for these groups to have any sense of sustainability. “Because third parties  normally do not win elections, Americans tend not to vote for them or contribute to their  campaigns, so they continue not to win.” 2 Because both parties know that the threat a third  party is almost nonexistent, they tend to have different approaches to how they handle third  party diversions from their bases.   The whole idea of politics has become a game of party power and control rather than  support for the American people. While the democrats have an embracing approach to third  party distractors of their base, republicans have taken the approach of distancing themselves  from them. This whole game is an attempt to attract the high percentage of independent voters.    In that in the last 15 years, the differences between the two parties have become so  minuscule that it is hard to tell them apart. This is supported by the fact that in “2014, fully 42  percent of the electorate claimed to independent...

Words: 518 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Political Parties

...Democratisation in Turkey: The Role of Political Parties, Brussels: P.I.E.-Peter Lang, 2004. Comparative studies on regime changes in Southern Europe and Latin America have shown the central role that stable and strong party systems play in the consolidation of democracy. Although Turkish political parties and the party system have received considerable scholarly attention, their impact on the country’s democratization process has not been systematically examined. Huri Tursan’s book seeks to fill this gap in the literature on contemporary Turkish politics. A modified version of the author’s doctoral dissertation written at the European University Institute in Florence, the study describes the historical evolution of political parties, with particular focus on developments concerning party politics since Turkey’s transition from an authoritarian one-party regime to a multi-party system in the late 1940s. The bulk of the book analyzes the changing electoral fortunes of the individual parties over the past five decades, the impact of the breakdowns of democracy through military interventions in 1960, 1971, and 1980 on party competition, and trends in the party system over the years. The analysis of the changes in the party system concerning volatility, fragmentation, and polarization constitute the book’s main empirical contribution. The picture that emerges from Hursan’s study is that of a party system which lacks strong and cohesive parties and which has experienced protracted periods...

Words: 755 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Political Parties

...- II 1. LIST OF POLITICAL PARTIES PARTICIPATED PARTY TYPE ABBREVIATION PARTY NATIONAL PARTIES 1. BJP 2. BSP 3. CPI 4. CPM 5. INC 6. NCP 7. RJD STATE PARTIES 8. 9. 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 . 20 . 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 . 30 . 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 . 36 . 37 . 38 . 39 . 40 . 41 . Bharatiya Janata Party Bahujan Samaj Party Communist Party of India Communist Party of India (Marxist) Indian National Congress Nationalist Congress Party Rashtriya Janata Dal AC ADMK AGP AIFB AITC AUDF BJD DMK INLD JD(S) JD(U) JKN JKNPP JKPDP JMM KEC KEC(M) LJP MAG MDMK MPP MUL NPF PMK RSP SAD SDF SGF SHS SP TDP TRS UDP UKKD Arunachal Congress All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Asom Gana Parishad All India Forward Bloc All India Trinamool Congress Assam United Democratic Front Biju Janata Dal Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Indian National Lok Dal Janata Dal (Secular) Janata Dal (United) Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Kerala Congress Kerala Congress (M) Lok Jan Shakti Party Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Manipur Peoples Party Muslim League Kerala State Committee Nagaland Peoples Front Pattali Makkal Katchi Revolutionary Socialist Party Shiromani Akali Dal Sikkim Democratic Front Save Goa Front Shivsena Samajwadi Party Telugu Desam Telangana Rashtra Samithi United Democratic Party Uttarakhand Kranti...

Words: 2103 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Political Parties

...Political Parties Political Parties Rights for the individual are at the heart of the Libertarian Party, the belief that no one should have to sacrifice their values for the benefit of others. In 1971 the party was founded with the vision of peace, harmony and abundance. Free trade between individuals and protection from government seizure of assets, fraud, and misrepresentation are just a few of the key goals. The Libertarian Party seeks to protect individuals from control by state or government, they believe abortion should be free choice and not decided by state or government. They aim to protect freedom of speech and the ability to participate or abstain from religious activities. Sexual preferences and orientation is also another key point that the party believes should be left to the individual to decide. The Libertarian party believes all of the aforementioned rights should be protected as long as it does not impede on the rights of another. The Republican Party opposes abortion except in certain cases; many individuals may feel as though this should not be a decision to be made by the government. Mitt Romney opposes the idea unless it involved rape, incest, or threatens the mother’s life. Several life circumstances could impact ones belief, many of which would fall outside the views of Republicans. Religion is also contributing factor, an individual’s religious beliefs play an important role in pro-life arguments. This argument would fall...

Words: 412 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Political Party System in India

...CHAPTER 2 PARTY SYSTEM IN INDIA Political parties are the most significant mechanisms in a democratic government. They both express and form public opinion. They are the chief mechanism of informing and influencing the electorate. As majority party forms the government in centre, the same is valid for the state legislature. Thus, the political parties become all the most important in analyzing any kind of politics in India. As everyone is free to contest election and form organization of political behavior, different political parties have rooted their stem in Indian politics. Here we will discuss some of the national and state political parties which had a major role to play in state politics in India. The election commission of India recognizes national as well as state political parties, giving them privileges and securing their election logo. A political party shall be treated as a recognized political party in a State, if and only if either the conditions specified is, fulfilled by that party and not otherwise, that is to say- (A) That such party – Has been engaged in political activity for a continuous period of five years; and Has, at the last general election in that State to the House of the People, or, as the case may be, to the Legislative Assembly of the State, returned- Either (i) at least one member to the House of the People for every twenty-five members of that House or any fraction of that number from that State; Or (ii)...

Words: 3032 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Political Parties

...How and why do the major political parties differ over politics and ideas? The major political parties in the UK are Conservative and Labour. They show their different ideas and polices at election time. They show out their differences to voters in order to make them aware of how society would differed if their ideas are accepted and then their policies are put into place when one of them comes to power. Conservative party had a clear run up in the elections and difference over economic policy than Labour. They wished to make cuts in public expenditure and took off an immediate £6 billion in public spending. They cut deeper and faster than Labour would have achieved. Similar in taxation policy it is a Conservative idea to reduce taxes in order that people can retain as much of their income as possible. To achieve this national insurance was cut and also corporation tax. These policy ideas replicate Conservative thinking that the role and scope of the state has to be reduced. David Cameron was keen to extol the idea of the ‘big society’ meaning that the role and scope of the state will be reduced and in his place individuals, groups and voluntary organizations will replace and fill the void. This can be seen to have links with ideas from one-nation and Thatcherite factions. By encouraging individuals and organizations it can be seen as integrating society and developing paternalist views meaning to cover up what are essentially Thatcherite moves to cut the state. It is contrast...

Words: 769 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Political Parties

...personal values for the sake of someone else views. Members of this party are approving of constitutional limitations on all forms of government and stronger civil liberties. This party platform affects the traditional ideas of economic and foreign affairs. Voters of the Libertarian party would not favor the Republican Party, because they differ on civil liberty issues. Republicans tend to support the state governments having power to regulate citizen’s needs, but giving the federal government power over military and international affairs. This is a direct contrast of what the Libertarians support, except they take a stance that military should have absolute power over defense of aggression. Republican views tend to also be more conservative and traditional. In regards to, economics the Republican Party analyzes the economy as a free market run and through time will improve. The Democratic Party may not be favorable to those who chose the Libertarian Party, because Democrats are approving of a centralized power government. Democrats have the solid belief that the Federal Government administers citizens needs the best. In regards to economics another contrast between these two parties would be redistribution of wealth. For example democrats would support higher taxes on the wealthy and increased social programs for those in a lower economic class.   In conclusion, political preference is based on which party meets all or most of an individual’s ideologies. I am on the fence...

Words: 335 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Political Parties

...Chapter 9 Assignment: Political Parties The first issue I am going to discuss three different political views on is abortion. It seems as though abortion is such a fought on topic between people of different political parties. This is an issue with two clear sides, but one way of looking at that I had not seen before. It was really interesting to see these three different/similar views on such a big topic. First off is the Democratic party. On this issue the Democratic party supports a woman's right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay. They argue that this kind of a decision is intensely personal to the women and her family. In this decision, there is no place for the government or politicians. They are on the side of pro-choice because they believe that each and every woman should be able to decide whether they want to be pregnant and have a baby. Woman should not be forced into doing something with their body just because it is what the government is saying. This kind of a decision should not involve the government. Next I looked at the Green party and their view on abortion. The view of the Green party was actually quite similar to that of the Democrat party. The Green party supports a woman’s right to reproductive choice, no matter her marital status. Also, they believe that a woman should have access to a safe and legal abortion procedure. Like the Democratic party, the Green party is on the side of...

Words: 1227 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Political Party

...! The political party I choice was none of them, they all have their pros and cons. I like the Republicans party at first because they had good beliefs but then I read what they really did. I also had liked the Democratic party but from the looks of it in our current economy they aren't doing to much of a good job. The Green party and Independent party did not offer what I was looking for. Therefore I have not made a decision on what party I would like to be. ! The Republican party had my attention at the begging because of their strong beliefs. For example one of their beliefs was that the government should only intervene in specific cases where society cannot effectively act at the individual level, So limiting the governments power on the people. I like that belief because it lets the people handle their business and if it can not be done then the government can help settle the situation. But as I read along I understood that they just work to better themselves not for the good of the people. They raise the taxes on the poor basically making one work for free, like Mr.Lopez says,” They don’t work for justice they work for just us.” ! The Democratic party sounded good because they too had good strong beliefs. One of their beliefs was that the United States should provide unconditional comfort and support to citizens of other nations. But the Democratic party is too liberal, they try to please everyone by giving them what they want. Whats good for one group of people...

Words: 537 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Political Parties

...LIBERTARIAN PARTY The Libertarian Party is an American Political Party founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party became popular in the Presidential election of 1980 in which it received 1 % of the votes. They are the third largest political party with more than 200,000 registered voters in the at least 50 states. The Libertarian Party believes that individuals are free to do as they please with their own lives and property as long as no one brings harm to the person or property of others. They fight for a free and peaceful world where everyone has the opportunity to pursue his or her own dreams without the sacrifice their personal values for the benefit of others. The Libertarian party is a combination of Conservatism and Liberalism believing that only through freedom can peace and prosperity prevail. They are strongly against government interference. LIBERTARIAN PRINCIPLES Freedom of Expression: * Libertarians support freedom of expression and are against government censorship. * Everyone has the right to choose a religion and engage in those religious practices as long as they do not violate the religious rights of others. Economic Liberties: * Libertarians support a clean and healthy environment and encourage the use of our natural resources. * Citizens should have the opportunities to achieve economic success. Secured Liberties: * The purpose of government is for the protection of individual rights. * Libertarians support the military...

Words: 603 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Political Parties

...Using examples, explain the differences between left-wing and right-wing political ideas. There are many differences between left-wing and right-wing political ideas. Right-wing political ideas that tend to be pessimistic about human nature and oppose change; right wingers typically favour order, authority and oppose state intervention in the market. “Right wingers” are typically in favour of “free market economics”. This is where private companies are lightly regulated so they are free to go about their business without minimum interference from the government, which is sometimes referred to as “the state”. The Conservatives are a prime example of a “right-wing” party; the Labour party also adopted “right wing” ideas and began changes ways under the era of “blairism”, from being a “left wing-party” they adopted right wing ideas from the conservatives and were more or less similar to them. “Left-wingers” on the other hand generally have optimistic ideas about human nature and favour social change, left wingers tend to support liberty, equality and state intervention. The labour party is a “left-wing” party and has swifted back to its original ethos and ideas under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn who is a far-left wing socialist. Furthermore left-wingers are keen to reduce the gaps between the rich and poor. They believe that society should work together to help everyone, which is why schemes like the NHS and benefits were introduced, But they argue that the rich should...

Words: 1002 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Political Parties

...Political Parties and the Electoral Process Timothy M Mcalister Professor Julie Waldon POL110 6/09/2014 Strayer University Abstract This paper explores the political parties and the electoral process. In this paper I have identified ideological differences between the two major parties, the conservative and liberals of the democratic and republican parties. Though I do not directly state democratic nor republican, it is widely known that the republicans are liberal while the republicans are conservative. Anything to do with the government is always debatable and can quickly change but based on the information I have gathered from books and the internet, listed in my references, I can only conclude from what I have read. Based on the writings of Theodore J. Lowi and Herbert Alexander I have been able to look into a third-party system how it is set up to fail. Between the electoral and presidential lead parties that are wanted and are there for the people, and what they want, will make it. Political Parties and the Electoral Process Both major political parties in the United States have their pros and cons when it comes to the views on abortion, gun control, taxes, affirmative action, and gay marriage. The liberal views of most democrats want everyone to have the rights they deserve, but then they know some of those rights should be limited. Though this seems hypocritical the rights, they want to see, restricted...

Words: 1353 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

A Political Party Analysis

...citizens with a variety of political opinions. An individual’s choice of political philosophy is based on their position on social issues such as abortion or foreign policy. As defined in Wikipedia, “a political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. The party agrees on some proposed policies and programs, with a view to promoting the collective good or furthering their supporters' interests”. (1) I believe an individual’s political views are shaped by their economic class, geographic location, religious beliefs and gender. These opinions are categorized into political parties such as Republican, Democrat, Green Party, Libertarian and Communist,...

Words: 692 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Polarization Of Political Parties

...Political parties are a necessary evil. Even though parties place people into tiny, little boxes with labels, they also bring Americans together to standardize beliefs and unite us to become stronger. Political parties create a connection between politics and society. The parties speak for a particular set of standards or values and represent those with the same mindset. Political parties also recruit candidates to run for various forms of office. Without the use of parties we would have an unenthusiastic country, disinterested and uninvolved in our nation's politics. Finally, political parties give us a voice. With 8.406 million people in New York state alone, it's difficult to make your voice heard. Parties are the go between that allow us...

Words: 708 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Political Party Assignment

...Week 3 Political Parties Assignment This essay will discuss the Libertarian Party. Specifically it will cover what their beliefs are and reasons that a person might want to choose this party over the more popular Republican and Democrat parties. Compared to other parties the Libertarian party generally believes in a much smaller government that has very little involvement in the lives of citizens. For example Libertarians believe that all people should be completely free and independent to choose their own food, work, entertainment and how to handle their own property without any involvement from the government. They also believe that businesses should also be free to offer their goods and services to the public without involvement from the government. Libertarians believe that the only purpose of the government is to defend the citizens of the United States. They also believe that most if not all taxes should be cut completely. The Libertarian party sees the current U.S. Government as being too large, powerful and expensive compared to what they believe it should be. A person might be interested in joining the Libertarian party if they felt the government is too large, spends too much money, collects unfair amounts of taxes from the public or is too involved in people's lives or businesses. The Libertarian party is in favor of complete freedom and independence of the government so that people are in charge of running their own lives...

Words: 283 - Pages: 2