Political Parties
High School
Definition
Organized groups that seek to win elections and govern by promoting shared ideas and candidates. A country's party system—whether two-party or multi-party—shapes how voters choose and how governments form.
Worked examples
In the United States, Democrats and Republicans compete in elections to control Congress and the presidency.
The two-party system channels most voters and candidates into these two organized groups.
In the United Kingdom, Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and others vie for seats in Parliament.
A multi-party system allows more choices; coalition governments often form when no single party wins a majority.
Common mistakes
- Political parties and interest groups are the same thing. → Parties run candidates for office; interest groups lobby but do not run their own candidates. Parties aim to govern; interest groups aim to influence those who govern.
- A two-party system means only two parties exist in the country. → A two-party system means two parties dominate, but minor parties may still exist. Third parties can run, but rarely win under two-party dominance.
- Multi-party systems always make government more stable. → Multi-party systems often require coalitions, which can be less stable than single-party majority governments. Coalition governments may collapse if partner parties disagree on key issues.
Where you'll use it next
You'll apply this concept when studying elections, campaign strategy, voting systems, coalition formation, and comparative government structures in civics and political science courses.
See also
Reviewed by Pat Cheng, M.Ed. — StudyPug Curriculum Lead · Last updated June 6, 2026