This document provides an introduction to political parties, outlining their key components and functions. It defines a political party as a group that shares ideas about governance and works to introduce and change laws. Political parties have leaders, active members, and supporters. They are important as they help control government, develop policies, and get their candidates elected to office. The document also outlines different political party systems, such as single-party, two-party, and multi-party systems. It concludes by listing some advantages like encouraging participation, and disadvantages like putting self-interests over national interests.