In this book, we present political parties as central institutions of a moderndemocracy. The characteristics and functions of parties, the basic elementsof their organisation, their political and social context, as well as theproblems of party democracy and the specific challenges faced by partiesare main topics. This is to convey fundamental information on the differentfacets of political parties. At the same time it is meant to raise interest in,and willingness to contribute to, a party.