What are the key functions of political parties?.
There are various key functions of political parties, in order for a political party to properly be established and sufficiently regarded. There are six key functions of political parties in Britain. The first towards the establishment of a political party is known as the Governing function. This is the foundation for the political party, and the British Government is generally formed by the political party with the majority. The Prime Minister is known as the leader of the party and the party's senior members are founded as the Cabinet/.
Secondly is the stage in which party recognition is created. The Electoral system is vital to all political parties as election campaigns are devised. Parties choose candidates at local and general levels and provide funds and facilities for electoral campaigns. They devise policies which the candidate must support and establish in conjunction to their party. .
Once election campaigns have been set up, the parties undergo public debates, which enable public view to be heard and ensure that all public concern is addressed. Within this, parties aim to try and go beyond their particular sectional representation, i.e.- Labour's traditional support from Trade Unionists and the working class is aimed at being expanded, hence why this is known as the Representative Function. .
Following public support and recognition the individual parties now formulate policies which they feel comply within the interest of their support. This formation of policy ensures choices for electorate and are vital at election time, as it is their policies formatted within this function which are expected to be brought forward when the particular party is in power. .
Once in power however political parties will still need support and therefore they encourage commitment to their specific party by encouraging "ordinary" people to become political activists- where they become party members.