Defining Political Parties

A political party is viewed as a political organization that seeks to take state power, not only through elections but via alternative methods. The history of American political parties reveals that the Constitution originally did not account for them, implying that political parties arose organically to interpret and implement the Constitution. This historical context includes distinguishing between parties that seek to compete within the existing political framework and those that aim for revolutionary change. The intention behind forming a party can significantly impact how it operates and pursues its goals in the current political landscape.