Functions & Features of UK Political Parties

Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 2.1.1

What is a Political Party?

Political parties act in government to represent the public.

A political party is a group of similarly minded people who aim to achieve their objectives by fielding candidates for election to political office.
A political party puts the policies it aims to pass into law in its manifesto, which is a document listing policy pledges.
The party that wins power as a result of electoral victory earns a mandate, which is when a political party or decision-maker has the authority to make decisions or put policies in place.

Political parties in the UK have a number of key roles which ensure that the UK’s system of representative democracy can work in practice.

Parties ensure that a single government is formed as a result of the general election which is able to safely pass its legislation through the House of Commons.
Parties also perform the role of the opposition parties who check the actions of the government and hold it to account.

A key role of political parties is representing their members.
The Labour Party’s membership increased significantly during the Corbyn period (2015–2020), but has since declined and stabilised at a lower level under Keir Starmer.
But, overall party membership has been declining since the 1950s - so this role has changed in recent years.
Political parties represent the wider public in Parliament, regional parliaments and assemblies, and in local councils.

Political parties allow people to have a greater participation in politics by becoming members of the party and so increase their involvement in the democratic process.
Parties also aim to increase political engagement by educating citizens on political issues.

Political parties in the UK have a number of key roles which ensure that the UK’s system of representative democracy can work in practice.

Parties recruit individuals into the political system and choose those individuals they believe to be most suitable to stand for public office.
Parties also play a role in the promotion of politicians, with those who are seen as having the qualities most suitable for national leadership roles promoted to more senior positions within the party.
Prospective MPs have to apply in writing and sit interviews for selection.
Some parties have used all-women shortlists for some elections.

Political parties establish policies which they believe are in the interests of voters and meet their needs.
These policy proposals are presented to voters in the form of a party manifesto.
In the 2024 general election, the Conservative Party promised continued economic stability and controlled public spending.
The Labour Party focused on economic growth, public service investment and workers’ rights.

Political parties offer voters a clear choice at elections, ensuring that voters are able to support the party whose policies most appeal to them.
However, ideological convergence between major parties can limit the extent of choice available to voters.

Which statements are true about political parties?
What do parties present their policy ideas in?
Political parties represent their members. Which party increased significantly during the Corbyn period (2015–2020), but has since declined?
Which of these are NOT functions of UK political parties?