Political Parties are the distinctive institutions of modern democracy. Thez articulate and aggregate social interests, develop political programmes and connect the society with the state. They recruit candidates for elections, select political leaders and organise governments. They promote political participation of the citizens. Furthermore they contribute to the legitimacy of the democratic political system.

In this book, political parties are presented as central institutions of a modern democracy. The characteristics and functions of parties, the basic elements of their organisation, their political and social context, as well as the problems of party democracy and the specific challenges faced by parties are the main topics. This is to convey fundamental information on the different facets of political parties. At the same time it is meant to raise interest in one's engagement in a political party.