CONFLICTS IN PARTY REPRESENTATION is defined as conflicts that arise when political parties seek representation in legislatures.

They originate when political power within a society is unevenly distributed. They require political parties to make choices in 7 key areas. Due to the broadness of this definition I have provided examples of typical conflicts: 1. Choices related to the selection of candidates to put forward in general elections. a. A riding association board disagrees with the party executive about the suitability of a candidate. b. A campaign finance law is broken. 2. Choices related to the solicitation and retention of party members and leaders. a. The party has insufficient funds to solicit and retain members. b. The party leaders public image is damaged. 3. Choices related to their working relationships with other recognized parties in legislatures. a. Their parliamentary caucus cannot gain the support of other caucuses to enact or defeat legislation that would increase the partys influence. b. They need input from another partys MP or Leader but cant work out how to show genuine appreciation for that work without losing face. 4. Choices related to the selection of public affairs issues in which to gain influence. a. They made an election promise they cant keep. b. They have influence in a public affairs issue that wont pay off in increased party memberships. 5. Choices related to the selection of geographical regions in which to gain influence. a. They cant win a single seat in a region despite best efforts. b. There are no residents of a local riding who are both competent to serve as MPs and willing to join the party and obey its rules. 6. Choices related to the ideological stances and public policy positions of the party. a. Their ideology attracts middle aged male members more easily than young female members. b. They use democratic vehicles like voting to make policy decisions. 7. Choices related to managing their public image. a. They build government advertising that too closely mirrors their public branding. When government fails to satisfy they cant refresh their partys branding easily. b. They lose influence in public debates.