Political Party and Party System

Definition of Political Party

• Gettell-
– a political party consists of a group of citizens
more or less organised who act as political unit
and who by the use of their voting power aim to
control the Government and carry out their
general policies.
• Maciver
– A political party is an association organized in
support of some principle or policy which by
constitutional means it endeavors to make the
determinant of government.
 Four things are essential for the
formation of political party
1. The people should be organized
2. There should be similarity of principles
3. The aim of a political party should be to
attain political power
4. A political party should use peaceful means
for attaining political power.
 Functions of Political Parties
• Two main functions
– To propagate their ideals and policy
– To contest elections
• Bryce says
– Every party strengthens its organization
– The parties try to increase their membership
– They encourage the electorate and supporters
through speeches and other means
– The voters are imparted political education by the
parties
 Advantages of political parties
1. Political parties are according to human
nature
2. Political parties concentrate the attention of
the voters of big problems
3. Political parties made the working of
democracy possible
4. Political parties create cooperation between
the executive and legislature
5. Opposition parties check the absolutism of
the government
6. Political parties create awakening amongst
the people
7. Opposition parties point out the short-
comings of the laws
8. Parties make the working of the constitution
and the Government flexible
9. Parties act as a short of link between the
people and the government
10.Political parties pilot the reforms
11.Political parties impart much political
education
12.Committees of Experts
13.Formation of government is easier
 Demerits of Party system
1. National interests are harmed by the selfish
propaganda of the parties
2. Party-system creates factionalism
3. Political parties crush individuality
4. Wrong education of the people
5. Parties spread corruption
6. The ruling party makes attractive laws near
the election in order to catch votes
7. Dictatorship of the ruling party
8. Unstable government in multi-party system
9. Political parties spread communal hatred
10.The country is deprived of the services of the
talented persons owing to the party system