political parties and party systems

Factional politics refers to internal divisions within a political party, where different groups (factions) compete for power, influence, or resources. These factions may form around leaders, ideology, region, or personal interests Weakens party unity and decision-making Common in parties with poor internal democracy Example: Rival groups within a party supporting different leaders for party head or election tickets.

Dynastic politics occurs when political power is passed within a family, and leadership positions are dominated by relatives of established politicians. Emphasizes family lineage over merit Limits political competition Often justified through name recognition and loyalty of voters Example: The Bhutto family or Sharif family in Pakistan; the Gandhi family in India.

Party notables are influential individuals within a political party who hold power due to their social status, wealth, local influence, or personal networks, rather than formal party positions. Often control votes at the local level May switch party loyalties easily Reduce ideological coherence of parties Example: Local landlords or business elites who secure votes for a party in their constituency.

An organized group that seeks to gain and exercise government power by winning elections.

Representation, elite recruitment, policy formulation, political participation.

By articulating and aggregating societal interests.

Selecting and training leaders for public office.

A small, loosely organized party dominated by party notables.

Large membership, strong ideology, disciplined organization.

A party that appeals to broad groups with weak ideology to maximize votes.

A party dependent on state funding with professional leadership and weak grassroots.

The concentration of political power within a family.

The number of parties and pattern of competition between them.

Only one party is allowed or dominates political life.

Multiple parties exist, but one party consistently wins.

Two major parties dominate and alternate in power.

Several parties compete; coalitions are common.

FPTP encourages two-party systems; PR encourages multiparty systems.

Divisions based on class, religion, ethnicity, or region.

They promote elitism and weaken internal democracy.

A party is an organization; a party system is the pattern of competition.

With mass suffrage in 19th-century representative democracies.

Parties are organized, durable, and electoral; factions are informal and temporary alliances.

A party that mobilizes and educates citizens around ideological goals.