Functions of parties in democratic states

Functions of parties in democratic states
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All parties in a state play an important role towards achieving democracy. However, their eventual success can only by sustained in democratic governance. This makes it a two-side way approach. Parties including political parties, church organizations and the civil society are geared towards representing a certain population of country, Inglehart and Wayne (2000). They work toward safeguarding the interest of the represented group and consolidation of power in order to have high bargaining power. Parties have a big role to play in democracy, Larry and Gunther (2001). Their role in controlling the process of development and implementation of policies by the government is important. This ensures that government policies take into account people social-economic aspects.
Political parties’ development of suitable manifestos and policies in favor of their member groups and also persuading citizens to vote in their candidates in the elections is core to gain the necessary power in order to influence the governance. The involvement of political parties in governance does not make them the government, but the two exist consistently though they remain to be two distinct entities. In most democracies, political parties nominate candidates of their choice to public office. While in office, these candidates work to ensure that their parties’ objectives are achieved through formulation of legislature and programs that are coherent with the party goals, Heywood (2003). Though many people have no clue of these, but registering as political party members renders individuals to think in the line of the party goals. This is because members may volunteer to campaign for their party candidates or vie using the party. This reduces the capacity of individuals to think as themselves but as accrued members of their party, Inglehart and Wayne (2000).
All parties represent certain groups of people and their interests are paramount to their existence. Thus, the represented people become the real concern to those elected. However, the elected member does not only work toward the interest of the party members but also works to ensure they attract the other party members to join their party. This is through the support of bipartisan matters and also nonpartisan matters. The party may sometimes represent individuals’ interest though group interest is of more importance. Political parties may represent the needs of an industry, corporate, a farmer, teacher or any other individual who has a specific need. Political parties simplify the choices making process since they represent the needs and interest of a certain group, Heywood (2003). They focus on abroad spectrum of issues rather than single issue making decision making on alternatives easier. Political parties stand for specific manifesto thus, hold to the general philosophy rather than individual iss...