Britannica Sources used in this answer

How do political parties try to gain and exercise political power?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A large crowd of Rwandan Patriotic Front supporters holds up red, white, and blue FPR flags and campaign posters at a political rally in Kayonza, Eastern Province. — political party Rwandan Patriotic Front political rally in Kayonza, Rwanda, August 2010.

Political parties gain and exercise power primarily by participating in democratic processes or, in some cases, through revolutionary methods.12

Gaining Power

In democratic systems, parties typically compete through elections. This process involves three core activities:1
* Propaganda: Using a party label to identify a candidate's political orientation, which helps voters distinguish between choices and provides a guarantee of performance.31
* Candidate Selection: Parties select candidates through various mechanisms, such as the caucus system, national committees, or primary elections.14
* Campaign Financing: Parties raise funds from corporations, wealthy individuals, or a large base of small donors to support campaign activities.1

While most parties operate within legal frameworks, some have historically employed revolutionary tactics, including conspiracies or guerrilla warfare, to seize power.1

Exercising Power

Once in office, parties exercise power by forming a government or acting as an opposition force. In legislatures, party discipline helps define the general lines of activity and ensures a degree of unity, though the strength of this discipline varies between "rigid" and "flexible" party systems. Opposition parties play a vital role by challenging government decisions, proposing alternatives, and communicating with the public.25