Political parties play a central role in how American policies are created, debated, and carried out. At their core, each party contains groups of people who share broad viewpoints on major issues and work to turn those ideas into laws. They recruit candidates, organize voters, help the government run, and shape the direction of national and local policy. 

While the United States has two major parties, several smaller parties and independent candidates also influence elections and public debate. Below, we break down what political parties do and how they shape policy and governance. What Do Political Parties Do? 

If you’ve ever wondered “what is the role of political parties?” you’re in the right place. Political parties help organize American government at every level. But to understand how parties function, it helps to look at the core responsibilities they carry out within our political system. 

How Political Parties Shape Government Policy 

Political parties, often working with think tanks, develop policy platforms that outline where they stand on major issues. These platforms also clarify the purpose of a political party, helping voters understand what each group represents.   

When their candidates win elections, those platforms become the basis for the policies they try to move forward. Putting these ideas into law takes negotiation and compromise, and progress can slow—or stop entirely—when other lawmakers or the public oppose a proposal.How Political Parties Organize Elections and Candidates 

Before enticing voters, however, parties must attract suitable candidates to represent their ideology. After taking office, these individuals ideally continue to represent the interests of their supporters. Their roles involve performing the balancing act of representing their broader constituency, which may include people who don’t support them. 

A political candidate speaking at a podium with supporters holding vote signs, illustrating what political parties do during elections. 

How Parties Influence the Lawmaking Process 

Lawmakers turn a party’s platform into actual bills through the legislative process. They rely on support from fellow party members and, often, on cooperation from lawmakers in the opposing party. 

Compromise is common, especially when no single party holds full control. When a party does have a strong majority in the House or Senate, it gains significant influence and can advance legislation even when there is partisan disagreement. 

Checks, Balances, and How Parties Work in Congress 

Designed to provide checks and balances to governmental authority, the two houses of Congress share the lawmaking duties but must come to a consensus to pass laws. 

There is a clear division of labor: 

  • The House alone can originate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the president if there’s a tie in the Electoral College. 
  • The Senate oversees approval of presidential cabinet and judicial nominees, authorization of treaties, and management of the federal budget. 
A full session of the U.S. Congress in the Capitol, illustrating the role of political parties in lawmaking and government decision-making. 

How Parties Communicate With the Public 

Political parties try to rally support around specific issues, appealing to their own senators and representatives as well as those of opposing parties (“reaching across the aisle”). Public outreach efforts sometimes take the form of rallies, town halls, and talk show appearances.How Parties Coordinate Within Congress 

Political parties regularly hold caucus meetings to make sure all their members are aware of key legislation and concerns.  These meetings also help build unified support for the party’s policy positions. 

Advance Your Understanding With Our Online Political Science Degree 

If you’re interested in understanding these processes more deeply, a formal education in political science can provide the broader context behind how parties and institutions shape U.S. governance.  

The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science provides an enlightening overview of American politics, including an exploration of: 

  • The branches of the federal government 
  • National, state, and local politics 
  • The American political system as viewed through an international lens 

Some students use our online political science degree as a stepping stone to law school and a legal career, while others pursue roles in government, education, and private business.  

Ready to deepen your understanding of the political system? Explore how UTPB’s online BA in political science can support your academic and professional goals. 

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Sources: 
https://uk.usembassy.gov/role-political-parties
https://dk.usembassy.gov/usa-i-skolen/presidential-elections-and-the-american-political-system
https://www.ushistory.org/gov/5a.asp
https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/elections/presidential-election-process/political-parties
https://pluralpolicy.com/blog/us-political-parties/
https://protectdemocracy.org/work/why-do-we-need-political-parties
https://wwnorton.com/college/polisci/american-government12/core/ch/12/outline.aspx
https://www.ndi.org/what-we-do/political-parties

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