Political parties are essential in the democratic system. Without political parties democratic government cannot work successfully. In fact they are indispensable to democracy. Democracy and .political parties are inseparable. Political parties perform very vital functions in the democratic process. 

They are as follows:

(a) To formulate the party programme: In formulating its programmes or policies, every political party tries to keep in view its own ideology, aims and objectives. It then publishes its manifesto on the eve of the elections. Political parties ensure that all sections of the party throughout their ranks, propagate and support them. It then appeals to as large a number of voters as possible.

(b) To propagate the party programme and educate the people: Political parties impart political education to the people and make them to realize their responsibilities. The ideologies along with the previous achievements are highlighted to attract the voters during the electioneering.

(c) To win elections and capture power: This is their main objective. To achieve this objective all political parties field their candidates for the elections and undertake to support by campaigning. It is this process that almost all the political parties have been consumed by the craze for power.

(d) Formation of government: After the declaration of the results, the party- which secures majority forms the government. The administration is earned on in accordance with the mandatory provisions of the Constitution.

(e) Acts as opposition party: The political party which fails to secure majority in the election act as opposition party. It act as constructive opposition against the bad policies and programs of the government.

(f) Public opinion and policy: As in all democracies. Indian political parties function like brokers of ideas. They play an active role in molding public opinion by making use of the publicity media. They present different policy alternativ es to the problems confronting the nation.