As more people got the vote, parties in Europe began to form which represented the interests of groups of people. In time the two main types of political party in Europe were those of the 'left' which campaigned for reform, equal treatment and opportunity for all citizens, and those of the 'right' which were more linked to the trading and business classes - and often, too, to the church. There is no single definition of political parties, apart from the fact that they want power. In Europe in recent times political parties have been coming closer together in their beliefs and programmes, though some will be more to the left and others more to the right. This makes it more difficult to know how to vote.
Every party has a 'package' of plans.
You may agree with some of it and disagree with some of it, but voters have to vote for the package. Political parties are also becoming more and more like branded goods, complete with logos, jingles, slogans and advertising. The politicians in their market stalls are increasingly like shops selling sports shoes. Everyone tells you that their party is the best. Everyone gives you very good reasons for it.