Political parties perform various functions in a democracy(a) They contest elections.(b) Parties put forward their policies and programmes for voters to choose from them.(c) Political parties play an important role in the law making process.(d) Political parties form and run governments.(e) Political parties which are unable to secure majority and form the government, play the role of opposition to the party in power.(f) They shape public opinion.(g) Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by governments.All points by Aryan Notes and NCERT political science Class 10

Functions of Political Parties in a Democracy:

Political parties play a crucial role in any democratic system. They serve as a bridge between the government and the people, representing their interests and facilitating the functioning of the democratic process. Here are the various functions performed by political parties:

1. Representation:
Political parties act as a platform for citizens to express their political beliefs, values, and interests. They represent the aspirations and concerns of different sections of society and provide a voice for the people. Through their candidates, political parties contest elections and aim to secure positions of power, enabling them to advocate for the policies and programs that align with their party's principles.

2. Formation and Articulation of Policies:
Political parties formulate policies based on their ideology, principles, and the needs of society. They develop manifestos and party platforms that outline their vision and proposed actions if they come into power. These policies are designed to address the concerns of the electorate and provide a blueprint for governance.

3. Electoral Competition:
Political parties form the basis of electoral competition in a democracy. They present voters with different choices and options during elections, allowing citizens to make informed decisions about the kind of government they desire. By providing alternatives, political parties ensure a democratic and competitive electoral process.

4. Political Mobilization:
Political parties mobilize citizens by engaging them in political activities, such as rallies, campaigns, and public debates. They create awareness about political issues, educate the public about their rights and responsibilities, and encourage voter participation. This mobilization helps to strengthen democratic values and active citizenship.

5. Interest Aggregation:
Political parties act as a mechanism for aggregating diverse interests within society. They bring together individuals, groups, and organizations that share common goals and concerns, consolidating their interests into a unified political agenda. This aggregation helps in harmonizing the diverse voices and interests of the people.

6. Governance and Accountability:
When political parties come into power, they form governments and assume the responsibility of governing the country or region. They implement their policies, make decisions, and ensure the functioning of the administration. Political parties in power are accountable to the people, as they are subject to scrutiny, evaluation, and criticism by opposition parties, civil society, and the media.

7. Oversight and Checks:
Political parties play a crucial role in providing oversight and checks on the government's actions. Opposition parties scrutinize the policies and actions of the ruling party, holding them accountable for their decisions. They act as a counterbalance, ensuring that the government remains transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.

8. Political Socialization:
Political parties contribute to political socialization by educating individuals about the political system, ideologies, and values. They help in shaping the political opinions and beliefs of citizens, nurturing informed and engaged citizens who actively participate in the democratic process.

In conclusion, political parties perform several important functions in a democracy. They represent the interests of citizens, formulate policies, provide electoral choices, mobilize the public, aggregate diverse interests, govern, ensure accountability, provide oversight, and contribute to political socialization. These functions collectively contribute to the effective functioning of a democratic system by ensuring citizen participation, representation, and responsive governance.