Political parties are organized groups of individuals with similar political goals and ideologies who seek to influence government decisions and policies by running candidates for elected office. They play a central role in the functioning of democratic systems by providing a structured way for citizens to participate in the political process and by helping to shape public opinion on important issues. Political parties can vary widely in terms of their size, organization, and goals, and they often compete with one another for power and influence within a political system. Research on political parties can cover a wide range of topics, including party organization and structure, party systems and competition, party ideology and policy positions, party leadership and candidate selection, and the role of parties in shaping public opinion and government decision-making.