The major functions of political parties:
i. Contesting election: In democracies, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put by political parties.
ii. Forming programmes and policies: Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose from them. A party reduces a vast multitude of opinions into a few basic positions which to supports.
iii. Making laws: Parties play a decisive role in making laws. Formally, laws are debated and passed in the legislature.
iv. Role of opposition: Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power. Opposition parties also mobilise opposition to the government.
v. Access to government machinery and welfare schemes: Political parties provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by the government. Parties have to be responsive to the needs and demands of the people.
