State the various functions that political parties perform in a democracy.
Political parties perform various functions in a democracy like
(i) They contest elections.
(ii) Parties put forward their policies and programmes for voters to choose from them.
(iii) Political parties play an important role in the law making process.
(iv) Political parties form and run governments.
(v) Political parties, which are unable to secure majority and form the government, play the role of opposition to the party in power.
(vi) They shape public opinion.