A group of people come together to contest election and to hold power of govt
Mainly there are two types of political parties1.National political parties2. Regional political partiesThey represent particular states or entrie india

Characteristics of a Political Party

Political parties play a vital role in the functioning of a democratic system. They serve as a bridge between the government and the people, representing their interests and aspirations. Here are the key characteristics of a political party:

1. Organizational Structure:
Political parties have a well-defined organizational structure consisting of members, leaders, and various levels of hierarchy. They have a clear chain of command, with leaders at the top making decisions and setting the party's agenda.

2. Collective Identity:
A political party represents a collective identity of individuals who share common political beliefs, values, and goals. It provides a platform for like-minded people to come together and work towards achieving their shared objectives.

3. Political Ideology:
Political parties are driven by a specific set of political ideologies or principles that guide their policies and actions. These ideologies can be diverse, ranging from liberalism and conservatism to socialism and nationalism.

4. Manifesto:
Political parties define their goals, policies, and strategies in a document known as a manifesto. It outlines their vision for governance, economic policies, social programs, and other important issues. Manifestos are often released before elections to communicate the party's agenda to the public.

5. Participating in Elections:
Political parties actively participate in elections by fielding candidates to contest for various political offices. They mobilize their supporters, engage in campaigning, and seek public support to win elections and gain political power.

6. Interest Articulation and Aggregation:
Political parties serve as platforms for citizens to express their interests and concerns. They act as intermediaries between the government and the people, articulating the needs of different sections of society and aggregating them into coherent policy proposals.

7. Policy Formulation and Implementation:
Political parties play a crucial role in formulating policies and influencing the decision-making process. They develop policy proposals, debate them within the party, and strive to implement their agenda when in power.

8. Accountability and Opposition:
Political parties provide a mechanism for holding the ruling party accountable. They act as a check and balance, providing a voice of opposition and critique. Opposition parties play a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance.

In conclusion, political parties are characterized by their organizational structure, collective identity, political ideology, manifesto, participation in elections, interest articulation and aggregation, policy formulation and implementation, as well as accountability and opposition. These characteristics define their role in shaping the political landscape and representing the interests of the people in a democratic system.