---
title: "Political Parties — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Political parties are organized groups that compete for governing power. In AP Comp Gov, they link citizens to policymaking and prop up regimes from China to the UK."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/political-parties"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# Political Parties — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Political parties are organized groups of people who share similar political beliefs and work together to influence government policies and gain control of the government through elections.

## Related Study Guides

- [1.5 Sources of and Changes in Power and Authority](/ap-comp-gov/unit-1/sources-power-authority/study-guide/HAHdQvILHepxouwGUSXm)
- [4.2 Objectives of Election Rules ](/ap-comp-gov/unit-4/objectives-election-rules/study-guide/LQynGtBwiEOJTJsYvN3V)
- [4.4 Understanding the Role of Political Party Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-4/role-political-party-systems/study-guide/VGM7canGhq8scnGN42hd)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Ideology](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/ideology): A set of beliefs or values that guide a political party's policies and actions.
- Party Platform: A document that outlines a political party's stance on various issues and serves as a guide for their members' decision-making.
- [Party System](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/party-system): The structure and organization of multiple political parties within a country's political landscape.