Democracy and Political Parties

This debate on Political Parties is CLOSED

Political parties were, by far, the most dominant method of political organisation in twentieth century Britain and they remain central to the functioning of the democratic system. Yet their membership has dropped dramatically in recent decades and their relationship with the public is widely seen as being in crisis.

To consider the issue of political parties and their role in the democratic and political system, the Hansard Society has published a booklet Democracy and Political Parties.

Download and read the Democracy and Political Parties and debate the issues relating to political parties here, from Thursday 22 February.

Some of the main issues include:

  • Do political parties sufficiently reflect the views and aspirations of the public?
  • Why has membership of political parties dropped so rapidly?
  • What is the main image that comes across when you think of political parties?
  • Should parties make greater efforts to explain their work and role and how could this be achieved?
  • Should political parties make greater efforts to link with local community groups and civil society?
  • Is it accurate to say that the main parties are closer to each other in terms of policies than used to be the case and, if so, is this a negative or positive development?
  • Do you have personal experience of membership of political parties which sheds light on the issue?
  • What ideas do you have for changing political parties?

previous discussion | next discussion

I have been a member of a

Posted by Paula on 29/03/2007 - 15:47

I have been a member of a political party for the past two years however I am not likely to renew my membership. My problem is that over the past two years I have never once been asked to contribute, help the local office or for my opinion. While I received constant emails regarding the parties policy stance on topical issues they never asked for feedback or action. I was also never notified of any meetings taking place or contacted by any other party members in my area (and my party holds the constituency).

I feel as though all I have received through membership is a subscription to a barrage of emails parroting what had already been said in the media.

I think one of the problems with political parties is that they are being governed and run more and more by paid staff rather than supporters.

Parties need to support their supporters. No wonder many people are ambivalent about politics

back