Final answer:
A political party is an organization that rallies around a shared ideology, aiming to elect its members to office to influence government policies. They offer party platforms that articulate values and policy objectives, and function within different systems, like the two-party system in the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to describe a political party is as an organization that seeks to influence government policy and decision-making by electing its candidates to various political offices. Political parties come together around a common ideology or political platform, creating a coalition to advance collective goals.
These parties scout and support candidates, undertake electoral campaigns, and endeavor to control the government by winning a majority of elections. In the U.S., we encounter a two-party system primarily represented by the Democrats and Republicans, whereas multiparty systems are prevalent in Europe, facilitating shared governmental power among several parties.
In essence, political parties are crucial in linking citizens with government, offering a collection of policies and plans known as a platform that indicates how the society should be governed. Parties play a vital role in the legislature, guiding policymaking and helping to make informed decisions during elections. A party's platform is significant, as it assists voters in understanding a candidate's beliefs and informs elected party members how they should vote on key issues.