What is a political party?

A political party is fundamentally defined as a group of people who organize to influence government policy. This definition encapsulates the primary role of political parties in a democratic system, which is to gather individuals who share similar ideologies, goals, or interests and work collectively to shape and influence government decisions, legislation, and public policies.

Political parties engage in various activities to achieve their objectives, including campaigning during elections, raising funds, mobilizing voters, and advocating for specific policies. They play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the government and the public, allowing citizens to express their preferences and participate in the political process.

While the other options present ideas related to political engagement, they do not capture the full essence of what defines a political party. Running for office, discussing public issues, or being registered voters, although related to political activity, do not emphasize the organized structure and collective action that is central to the function of political parties in influencing government policy.