What is a political party?

A political party is defined as a collective organizing to influence government. This definition captures the essence of what a political party does, which is to unite individuals under a common set of beliefs and ideals aimed at obtaining and exercising political power. Political parties work to create policies that align with their values and interests and seek to gain representation within government through elections.

The focus on influencing government highlights the primary objective of a political party: to participate in the political process, support candidates, and affect change in governance and public policy. By mobilizing individuals around a shared agenda, parties serve as a critical mechanism in democracies for facilitating political participation and debate.

In terms of context, while a group of citizens with diverse views does contribute to the political landscape, it lacks the structured approach and goal of influencing governance that characterizes a political party. Promoting international relations may be a function of some political parties but is not their defining feature. Similarly, while a coalition of elected officials may form as a result of political party alignment, it does not encompass the broader organizational aspect or the purpose of influencing government that a political party embodies.