What is the role of political parties?

Recruiting/Supporting Candidates

finding and supporting candidates interested in running for office

Organizing elections

nominating candidates and mobilizing voters to get their candidates elected (their main goal)

Structuring Party Platforms

develop and support the goals of the party

Educate and Mobilize the Electorate

inform voters and candidates and the party’s platform; encourage voters to participate in elections

• Connect, persuade, educate and mobilize the electorate (voters)

Communication

utilize polling, social media, debates, etc. to connect and educate the electorate

Organizing the Government

making political appointments (like the President’s Cabinet) and electing majority and minority leaders within Congress