State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Solution:

Functions performed by political parties in a democracy:

Group together a large number of similar opinions, thereby providing a direction in which policies can be formulated

Contest elections, providing the voters a choice between different policies

Winning party forms and runs the government

Losing parties form the opposition, and keep a check on the working of the government

Play a decisive role in making laws, especially by debating them in the legislature.

Shape public opinion by raising and highlighting issues

Provide people a way to access government machinery and welfare schemes