The political parties play an important role in democracy as:
(i) Parties contest elections: In most democracies, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put up by political parties.
(ii) Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose from them.
(iii) Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country.
(iv) Parties shape public opinions. They raise and highlight issues.
(v) Form and run governments.
(vi) Role of opposition. Opposition role is important in democracy as it voices different views and criticize government for its failures or wrong policies.
(vii) Parties provide people access to government machinery and *** schemes implemented by governments.
