In every country, there are always many political parties with different ideologies and varying degrees of power in national matters. Political parties can be involved at different levels in institutions, organizations, and the general running of the government. In order to survive in local or national level politics, political parties must navigate through the challenges associated with competing ideologies and past misdeeds that may come back to haunt their candidates. This is where the superiority of a political party comes into focus. For example, the Democratic and Republican parties have a greater following in the United States compared to other parties such as the Green Party.
Political parties are common at all levels of government, from national to local municipalities. The way in which political parties operate and organize themselves varies between different levels of government, highlighting differences in ideology, organization, and operation. This demonstrates the impact that political parties have on different levels of government and how their politics can affect public perceptions and engagement with national and local politics (Richard 2007, pp. 50).
Different political parties have distinct roles to play, and their policies and politics hold significant power and impact on the democracy of a region. There are various levels of political parties that exist, which affect representation in different institutions. These institutions operate with varying degrees of power, organization, and responsibility. Additionally, party loyalty and discipline are important considerations as well as the independence of political parties and their relationship with civil society.
Each political party knows that in order to survive, they must have the support of the local population. They must make the general population understand and appreciate what they have in their prospectus and plans for developing their region. This means that each party has to present bait that will make the population believe in their ideology.
All political parties have their own methods for selecting their desired candidate. Candidate selection is the process by which a candidate is recommended to appear on the ballot paper. However, the specific procedures and internal rules that govern each party determine how candidates are chosen. The names of candidates presented to election authorities by different parties undergo a screening process called nomination, which verifies them in legal terms. By being involved in the selection of candidates, political parties narrow down the list of potential candidates to make it easier for citizens to choose from.
Within every political party, there are two methods for selecting candidates: centralization and participation. Centralization involves the region, locality, or nation deciding and controlling the candidate selection process. On the other hand, participation involves either the top leadership or ordinary members deciding and controlling the process at the appropriate level.
Nearly all political parties and candidates are selected at the local level, although the national level of the party may have some influence during the selection process. This influence can be proactive by encouraging, recommending, or even forcing the local branch to choose a particular candidate. At other times, the national level party may reserve the right to veto candidates. Therefore, at both levels, all political parties must strike a delicate balance between national-level plans and local sensitivities.
The different political parties have one thing in common when choosing their candidate: they base it on various factors such as party ideology, electoral system, government organization, and the culture of politics in the region. This requires them to delve deeper and understand what the citizens want so that they can incorporate those desires into their plans and prospectus.
Each political party must market its symbol and ideologies to form a base on which constituents and civic members will base their decision in selecting any candidate. Different political parties develop plans to attract support through initiatives, proposals, and support that they will provide to different localities and regions. They may raise issues such as what economic factors will favor that region and solve what they have been missing for a long time. This becomes an umbrella used for campaigning in different states and locations (Peter 2006, pp. 89-91).
Political parties have the right to enforce discipline and ensure loyalty among their members. They establish rules and regulations that all party members must follow and adhere to. These rules are accompanied by disciplinary actions in case of any violations. The party devises ways to analyze situations, determine the appropriate penalty or fine, and enforce them.
Finances are crucial for the success of a political party, especially during a campaign period. There are several ways to raise funds, ranging from contributions by party members to support from interested individuals. Finances can take different forms, such as campaign materials, transportation means, and avenues for campaigning. These funds are typically distributed among the candidates and split in a way that highlights the party’s influence in the region and predicts the level of competition they will face.
There are times when different political parties come together to solve an issue that may improve or be advantageous for the future development of their party. For instance, if an issue such as corruption arises, all parties usually unite in condemning the person responsible. They lobby in ways that ensure the culprit is dealt with and use this opportunity to promote their political party.
All political parties must respect the rule of law and follow all rules and laws set by the election body and government. The authorities monitor party actions to identify potential problems that may affect the population, taking appropriate precautionary measures. Discipline measures include expulsion of a candidate or party member, as well as fines that the party must pay (Peter 2006, pp. 90-91).
Political parties share one common goal: to win the support of the civilian population. With numerous parties emerging and varying levels of power and influence in their respective areas, established parties are often challenged and must fight to maintain stability.
In general, all political parties operate and run their daily businesses in similar ways. Most have bodies that sanction their candidates, instill discipline, and ensure the loyalty of party members. Additionally, political parties form an umbrella under which campaigns are run and finances managed by different groups contributing to the sustainability of the party.
Political parties have one intention: to help and improve human life. The members who are elected become messengers for their region, serving as ambassadors of the local population to the government. Sometimes, they even become ambassadors of the country when it has relationships with other countries, such as the president.
References
Peter, K. (2006). What Constitutes Political Parties in American Culture. New York: Cambridge University Press, pp. 89-99.
Richard, O. (2007). Political Parties and Development. New York: New York Publishers, pp. 46-60.
