Political Parties – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

Political parties are organised groups of people who share common ideas with the sole aim of contesting elections to gain or assume political power in a democratic state. A political party is an association of like-minded people who organise themselves into a political group to control political power and the administrative machinery of a state.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define a political party;
2. state the aim of a political party in a democratic state;
3. list the functions of political parties.

What are the functions of political parties?

1. Unity
2. It serves as a link
3. Accountability
4. Machinery for recruitment
5. Clarification of issues
6. Provision of organisation
7. Control of the government
8. Dramatisation of politics
9. Sectional or diversified interests
10. Change of government

Evaluation

1. Define a political party.
2. What is the sole aim of a political party in a democratic state?
3. What does a political party seek to control?
4. List any five functions of political parties.

Assignment

Write the definition of a political party in your own words. Then list all ten functions of political parties given in this lesson.