Functions performed by political parties in a democracy:
Group together a large number of similar opinions, thereby providing a direction in which policies can be formulated Contest elections, providing the voters a choice between different policies Winning party forms and runs the government Losing parties form the opposition, and keep a check on the working of the government Play a decisive role in making laws, especially by debating them in the legislature. Shape public opinion by raising and highlighting issues Provide people a way to access government machinery and welfare schemes