Political Parties & What They Do

A political party is a group of people who try to control governmentby winning elections and holding public offices. The two majorpolitical parties in the United States are the Republicans and theDemocrats.

Political Parties & What They Do

Political parties perform five major functions. First, theynominate, or name, candidates for public office. Parties present thesecandidates to the voters and then gather support for them. Second,parties inform the people and inspire them to participate in publicaffairs.

Political Parties & What They Do

Third, political parties help ensure that their candidates and officeholders are qualified and of good character and if elected, perform well in office. Fourth, they have some governing responsibilities. Congress and State legislatures are organized along party lines; they conduct much of their business based on partisanship, or firm allegiance to a political party.

Political Parties & What They Do

Fifth, parties act as government watchdogs. The party out of power keeps a close eye on the policies and behavior of the party that controls the executive branch of each national or State government.