The concept and typology of political parties and party systems

Abstract

Martsikhiv Kh. R., Voitovych V. Yu. The concept and typology of political parties and partysystems. – Article.The functioning of political parties in society is characterized. The study of this institution, a thoroughstudy of the problems associated with it, is revealed. In modern conditions, the role of a political party in theorganization of state power is considered as an extremely important topic for the countries of the post-communistcamp, including Ukraine. Solving the problems of political structuring and establishing the institutionof a parliamentary majority in political practice which led to a change in the role and social status of politicalparties, primarily their participation in shaping and identifying political will of citizens and implementingeffective mechanisms of political accountability of parliament and government is analyzed. Political partiesare investigated as the basis for the proper functioning of a quality system of public administration. A key roleof political parties in training and promotion in public policy, for which they are a specific social elevator, isidentified. The parties controlling mechanism of nominating their candidates in the elections is characterized.Parties’ influence on the political views and orientations of people, especially young people is analyzed. Parties’function of political socialization of citizens is defined. The article considers issues related to the definitionof the essence of the concept of a political party, as well as examines what is a party system, its typology andthe factors influencing its establishment. The process of formation of the theory of political parties and partysystems is analyzed. It has been found that the most common criterion for classifying party systems is thenumber of competing parties, as measured by the effective number of parties. The characteristics of modernpolitical parties, their functions in the political process are determined. The influence of the party system onthe formation of the principles of public administration in democratic and transitional societies is analyzed.The problems of functioning of political parties are considered, as the existence and activity of political partiesof most modern states is a generally accepted norm and is interpreted as an integral attribute of a democraticway of public administration.It is concluded that more and more often political parties are involved in the decision-making process atall levels. The specifics of the implementation of state policy and the purpose of social partnership in worldpractice are the partnership of political parties and public authorities. The cooperation of government institutionsand political parties to address specific issues in the light of public opinion is a common practice in ademocratic political process.