POLITICAL PARTIES: STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONS, AND DEMOCRATIC SIGNIFICANCE – AN OVERVIEW

A political party is an organized group of individuals who share common ideologies, goals, and policies and seek to gain political power and influence governance. The political parties are fundamental institutions in modern democracies that serve as intermediaries between citizens and the state. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, functions, and democratic significance of political parties. Drawing on classical and contemporary political theory, including works by Maurice Duverger and Giovanni Sartori, the study explores how parties organize political competition, mobilize participation, and contribute to governance. It also highlights contemporary challenges affecting their effectiveness.