A political party is an organized group of individuals who share similar beliefs and goals regarding governance and public policy. These parties aim to influence government decisions and policies by participating in elections, advocating for specific issues, and mobilizing voters. Political parties often represent a range of ideologies, such as liberalism, conservatism, or socialism. In many democratic countries, political parties play a crucial role in the electoral process. They nominate candidates for public office, develop party platforms outlining their positions on various issues, and work to gain public support. Examples of major political parties include the Democratic Party and the Republican Party in the United States.