Political Parties: The Role in the Elections

Subject: Politics & Government
Pages: 5
Words: 1114
Reading time:
4 min
Study level: Master

The modern governing system is a complex network of political parties and participation in such parties involves working towards the administration and order in the country. During the presidential election it is more beneficial and influential to be involved in a political party because there are more ways and chances to move forward and get elected as president. When comparing a single individual who runs for election to a group of politicians, who form a party, it is clear that a group of people will have more potential and cooperative functioning, thus leading to a positive outcome. It is also possible for several parties to unite their efforts and this will make a party even stronger and more resourceful.

One of the primary and most important functions of the party is to select the right candidate. The qualities of a potential leader determine the outcome of the campaign but also, in case the candidate becomes president, it is crucial that the person is respectable and just. When such a candidate is selected, the political party starts working on educating the public about their leader and policies that the party and the candidate will enforce or offer. If the opposition becomes aggressive and starts a conflict the party will be a sort of link between the leader and the competing opponent. Since the market and economy greatly influence the outcome of the party’s plans and goals it is their direct responsibility to predict any fluctuations and prevent loss of stability and control.

There are a few reasons why being a member of a political party has advantages. When an individual is running for presidency his party members will be running the campaign by engaging voters to participate and support their leader. Also, they will mobilize the resources and organize the elections and the political processes that are necessary for voting. Sometimes there are cases when a candidate does not have enough financial resources and the party will assist with expenses used for the campaign. An active involvement in a party has financial benefits as well. Governmental and political positions are well paid because people who work in such professions must be intelligent and the time spent managing the administration sometimes exceeds the regular working hours. Another advantage can be seen in the education that the party will provide for the candidate. It is often hard for one person to know and retain all the information relating to the campaign and so, by joining forces with other politicians and forming a party, the participant is able to increase productivity. Especially in the present times, the economic crisis has created very difficult and challenging conditions, which are eased up by the members of the party. It is clear that any group of people has more potential output, ideas and plans, which can be analyzed by several party members (Schlesinger 22). A very useful advantage of a political party is its crisis resolution. The political “game” is sometimes unpredictable and the resources and manpower used for certain actions fails to achieve the planned goal. At such time, political members and their leaders work together to close the gap. Communication with other parties and political leaders is much more effective and the potential president has more freedom in the selection of the action plan. Not to mention the security that the party provides which helps with a resolution and prevents any problems in the future. When the candidate for presidency carries out a campaign, the political party ensures flexibility and prosperity, creating more avenues for the election. Often, the party bargains and makes deals on behalf of the leader, promoting an easy and quick solution, so that the potential president can focus on his duties and developments. The fact that there is a separation of roles within the political company, as well as a hierarchy of members, provides for a controlled and orderly environment where the governmental system functions smoothly. Popularity and reputation are also the responsibility of the party and as such, the president gets the necessary publicity and acknowledgements. Party members will lobby for their leader, represent the future president in the media and speak on their behalf. Often, the leader of a party does not have time to effectively resolve issues and this is where the other members can offer a helping hand (Cann and Sidman 1134).

In case things do not go the way they were planned or there is strong opposition or violation of any rules or agreements, the political party will form a protest group that will fight to recover fairness and justice. Every party is centered on winning the election and making sure that the leader increases the status and possibly becomes the president. There are several examples in history where candidates became presidents through their party, some of them are: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, James Carter, Ronald Regan, George Bush, Barack Obama and many more. This shows that the chances for success are greatly increased and the organizational structure of the political parties is very effective. The important duties of the party include the maintenance and organization of the exchange between the market and individuals, in which case it can use even non-market ways. It has a direct connection and influence on the public or society, thus promoting their candidate and establishing a positive image. If there are any discrepancies within the structure or loss of resources, the party will be in charge of necessary compensation. During the election campaign there are numerous other organizations that are involved and the members of the party will use their influence to cooperate with those companies that provide support and avenues for the party to reach success. Even if there is a breakdown in the communication, the party is able to organize a sub-party, which will focus on one specific task, thus dividing the work and being more productive in attaining a positive outcome (McKay 91).

Running for presidency is a very complex and structured task. Political party representing a potential candidate is most effective in the promotion of their leader. The amount of work that the party is able to do greatly overpowers that of one individual, uniting the efforts in the fight for common goal. Considering all the qualities of a party it is possible to see that the disadvantages are minimal, if not non-existent at all. The candidate for the election can focus all attention on promoting policies and regulations that are promised to the people, leaving the organization and support to the party members. The mutual relationship is beneficial for both and so, joining a party is preferred as the best plan of action.

Works Cited

Cann, Damon M., and Andrew H. Sidman. “Exchange Theory, Political Parties, And The Allocation Of Federal Distributive Benefits In The House Of Representatives.” Journal Of Politics 73.4 (2011): 1128-1141. Print.

McKay, David. American Politics and Society, New York, United States: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Print.

Schlesinger, Joseph. Political Parties and the Winning of Office, Michigan, United States: University of Michigan Press, 1994. Print.