Fairuz Hidayat Merican, 2011

At the end of the chapter, you should be

able to:
Define political parties;
Identify the functions of political
parties;
Explain the origins of political parties;
Explain the concept of no-party
system;
Explain the various party systems.
5.1 Definitions & Functions of Political
Parties
5.2 Origins of Political Parties
5.3 No-Party System
5.4 Types of Party System
5.1 DEFINITION &
FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL
PARTIES
 Definitions
An association of individuals with a common set of
beliefs & political goals, sharing a desire to take
control of the govt by constitutional means;
A political organization that seeks to attain political
power within a govt, usually by participating in
electoral campaigns;
Any group, however loosely organized, seeking to
elect governmental office-holders under a given label.
A formal org whose self-conscious, primary purpose is
to place and maintain in public office persons who will
control, alone or in coalition, the machinery of govt;
An organized group of citizens who hold common
views on public questions & acting as a political unit
seeks to obtain control of the govt with a view to
further the program & policy which they profess.
 Functions of Political Parties
Link btwn the People & the Govt:
a.k.a Linkage Function;
Communicate needs & wishes of the people to the
govt;
Citizens may influence political decisions;
Keep citizens informed about govt decisions.
Aggregation of Interests:
Widen the interests they represent;
Harmonize various interests;
Help interests groups moderate their demands;
Cooperate & work for the good of the party.
Political Socialization:
Provide political training to the ordinary voters;
Teach their members how to play the political
game;
Help their members improve their political
competence;
Instruments for political recruitment & training
ground for political leadership.
Mobilization of Voters:
Through campaigning for their candidates;
Use various means to arouse voters interest and
induce them to vote on Election Day;
Simplify & clarify issues: make it easier for voters to
choose btwn different alternatives.
Forming a Govt:
Try to capture political power;
Try to win majorities without which they cannot
form a govt/remain in power;
Recruit winning candidates for elections & identify
people to fill important govt positions.
Viable Opposition:
Parties that win fewer seats form the opposition;
Criticize the policies & activities of the govt;
Act as a check & balance on the govt.
5.2 ORIGINS OF
POLITICAL PARTIES
Human Nature:
Some people are instinctively conservative;
Some are instinctively progressive / liberal.

Conflict of Economic Interests:

Differences in possession, econ outlook & econ
condition;
Men with property: cautious, distrusting & dreading
change;
Those with no possession: thrive on hope that
change will improve their lives.
Environmental Effects:
Party affiliation & allegiance influenced by family.

Religious & Communal Sentiments:

Influenced by religious & ethnic affinities or
similarities.
Growth of Political Parties:
Institutional theories (before 1900)
Evolution of parliamentary bodies.
PP = political clubs & other organized groups
within the legislature.
MP began to organize themselves into groups
(factions) that shared similar views on important
issues.
PP also grew out of the connection & cooperation
btwn parliamentary & electoral groups.
Historical-crisis theory (after 1900)
Focuses on certain problems that political leaders
have encountered.
Example: trade unions, nationalist movements.
PP are also formed as a result of social
modernization of a country.
Aim is not to seek independence but to establish
order in society.
5.3 NO-PARTY SYSTEM
A system where no PP exist;
Usually found in a monarchical form of govt;
No PP = No elections;
Monarch has absolute power;
Example:
Saudi Arabia.
 Merits of No Party System

Less costly since there are no elections;

Less risk of trouble caused by elections;
Smoother transition of power.
 Demerits of No Party System
People have no freedom to choose their govt;
People have limited/no opportunity to express
their views.
5.4 TYPES OF POLITICAL
PARTY SYSTEM
 Single-Party System
Only one party is legally allowed & controls
every level of govt;
One party dominates all other groups or
suppresses all opposition groups;
Usually found in totalitarian regimes;
The leaders claim that they represent what the
people want & need;
Also claim that this system prevents the
country from being divided & disunited;
Helps the leaders to focus on social, economic
& political development;
However, the people cannot express the
opinion & must obey the rules;
Example:
China, Cuba, North Korea
 Merits of Single-Party System

Ensure loyalty & discipline among members;

Ensure singleness of wills & actions;
Domination of party is assured;
No conflict of authority/opinion btwn ruling
party & govt.
 Demerits of Single-Party System
Opposition parties are not allowed to exist;
No alternative govt;
No genuine choice among voters;
Minimum influence of the people on political
decisions;
Legislature & judiciary are functionless.
 Dominant-Party System
Only one party that always become the govt
either by itself or in a coalition govt;
Always wins 60% or more of seats in the
legislature;
Opposition parties are free to operate;
They usually win less than 40% of the seats;
Example:
Malaysia, Mexico, Japan
 Merits of Dominant Party System

Stability & continuity of policies;

Ruling party gains experience & knowledge.
 Demerits of Dominant-Party System

Ruling party may become complacent;

May lead to autocratic government;
Elections may be manipulated to ensure ruling
party remains in power;
Other parties may feel that it is pointless to
contest in elections.
 Two-Party System
Two essential features:
Only two parties share the electoral vote &
exercise political control;
The two parties alternate in the exercise of
power.
Other parties exist but do not threaten the two
major parties;
Provides stability to the govt: it is controlled by
one party.
Easy for voters to choose from limited number
of candidates & policies;
Allows for a strong opposition to act as a
check on the govt;
Examples:
USA & Britain
 Merits of Two Party System
More permanent & stable cabinet;
Political homogeneity = well organized &
responsible team workers;
Secures real representative govt;
Offers well-defined programs to the voters;
Ensures careful attention by representation.
 Demerits of Two Party System
Limited choices for voters;
Destroys prestige of legislature;
Gives rise to dictatorship of cabinet;
Divides politics into two;
Limits representation of interests;
Creates strong party prejudice.
 Multi-Party System
No party obtains the majority in legislature;
Three or more PP compete in elections;
They win seats in legislature;
Form coalition among themselves to form a
govt;
People have greater liberty to express their
views on public affairs.
Prevents the tyranny of a single-party system &
tyranny of cabinet in a two-party system;
Considered unstable & does not permit
continuity of policy;
Diversity of political culture & degree of
agreement on basic issues;
Example:
Malaysia, France, Germany
 Merits of Multi-Party System
Greater elasticity & mobility;
More opportunity for various opinion groups to
be represented;
Allows free expression of opinion;
Offers more choice for voters;
Allows people to associate & organize without
serious compromise on principles.
 Demerits of Multi-Party System
May lead to weak & unstable govt;
Voters will vote for personalities rather than
policies or programs;
Life of govt is uncertain & short;
Too many interest may cause conflicts in a
coalition.