Public Opinion and Party System

Public Opinion and Party System

Introduction

This chapter focuses on the meaning and evolution of the Party system as adopted in various countries of the world. Tracing the emergence of party system in modern democracies we seek to explain the nature, characteristics, types and functions of political parties especially in a democracy. Deriving from this general background, the evolution of the party system in India at the national and regional levels are studied, with a specific focus on Tamil Nadu. The chapter also presents the meaning and importance of public opinion and its role in the effective working of a democracy.