National parties are political organizations that operate across an entire country, aiming to represent a broad range of interests and ideologies. They typically have a structured hierarchy, with leadership at the national, state, and local levels. National parties often participate in elections to gain seats in legislative bodies and influence government policies. These parties usually have a platform that outlines their goals and values, appealing to a diverse electorate. Examples of national parties include the Democratic Party and the Republican Party in the United States, which compete for power at various levels of government and shape national discourse.