Five functions of political parties: 1. Contesting elections: In most elections around the world, parties put up candidates who compete in the elections. Different countries have a different way of selecting candidates like in India, top leaders choose. 2. Making policies and programmes: Parties make and support policies and programmes according to the various opinions and interests of people. The government usually follows the programmes of the ruling party. 3. Making Laws: The legislature debate and make the laws. Most of the members would belong to a party so they adhere to the party's decisions and not personal ones usually. 4. Forming governments: The big decisions are taken by the political executives who are chosen and are part of the winning party. Hence, they form and run the government. 5. Role of opposition: Those who lose the elections become the opposition and they question and criticise the policies of the government. They represent different views and keep the ruling party in check.