Casting a vote during an election is not the only form of political participation in a democracy. One of the best and surest ways of entering the political arena is through the entry into an existing political party. Although the global trend is that of declining political affiliation with organizations like political parties, membership has a lot of benefits, which can make people influence policies, have an effect on the political outcome, and ensure that people are engaged in the democratic process. Voting in internal party elections (leadership elections) is among the primary advantages of membership in a party.
The members often have the right to choose candidates in municipal and parliamentary elections, and also the head who would represent the party at the national level. As an example, you can be supplied with voting forms where you can choose among many leadership candidates and perhaps influence the direction of the party should you join a large party such as the Liberal Democrats, Conservative Party, or Labour Party. This internal democratic element is whereby the members acquire extra leverage as opposed to the average voter.
History of political parties in the UK
The political system of the United Kingdom has developed in many ways over the ages due to varying changes in economic development, social change, and governmental change. Currently, the UK is often referred to as a multi-party system dominated by two-party Systems, but it was not so in the past. It should be noted that UK politics did not happen overnight, and the history of politics helps us to place the current politics in context.
During this period, the Whigs and the Tories became the two dominant groups. The Tories were supporters of royal powers and the traditional Anglican Church its succession, but the Whigs were associated with businesspeople and non-conformists and tended to support the primacy of laws. The Labour Party entered the position of a primary party of the working population and trade unions in the first half of the 20th century, as the Liberal Party lost its position. It was founded in 1900, first as the Labour Representation Committee, and rose fast, especially after World War I.
Labour had become the leading left-wing party and advocated workers’ rights and social welfare by the 1920s. In the United Kingdom, the two political parties that have dominated political contests are the Conservative Party and the Labour Party, which are the current status quo.
Benefits of joining a political party in the UK
There is much more to joining a political party in the UK than just obtaining a membership card in the current political environment. It is an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of the country, make their own contribution to important decision-making, and play a role within the political processes. The main benefits of joining a political party in the UK are listed as follows:
1. Take part in local activism and campaigns
As a member, you can be involved in community action and election campaigns that involve action like leafletting, canvassing, and organising campaigns. You will be able to directly influence the outcome of elections and support politicians and causes you like by visiting such events. Other than networking with people of similar minds, running on a political party offers the candidate an opportunity to effect local political change and a social network. These are enriching and empowering activities for many participants.
2. Attend training, conferences, and networking events
Party members are in a position to make their inputs in the party debates, in contribution to the party manifesto, in listening to keynote addresses, as well as meeting with the national and local elected officials and party leaders at both the regional conference and annual conference. Individuals with interests in activism, a career in politics, or even those with interests in being of service to the community would stand to gain a lot through the political education or training, as well as networking opportunities offered through these events. They also provide an opportunity to people who want to express their opinions and influence the future of the party.
3. Build your proficiency as a leader and as a politician
Members learn to practice their leadership, communication, event planning, and public speaking skills through participating in party activities. All these skills have the potential to promote individual development and result in job opportunities in government agencies, political, or non-profit institutions. Active members often hold office, such as the campaign organizers or local branch people, and this will enable them to improve their knowledge and skills in politics.
4. Access to specialised information and resources
Political manifestos, policy announcements, election commentary, communication on events to attend in policy areas, and media releases are generally made to party members. This close familiarity with particular subjects of importance to the member and a better understanding of the political process can keep this member well-informed.
5. Exhibit ethical support and political commitment
A public statement of your political beliefs and support is made when you join a party. It improves your capacity to fully engage and impact democratic governance, going beyond simply casting a ballot in general elections. You support the party’s goals and campaigns both materially and ethically, joining a group endeavor to influence national policy.
6. Accessibility and membership fees
Generally speaking, party membership fees are inexpensive, ranging from £15 for smaller parties to £60 or more for larger ones. Students, those with low incomes, and seniors might receive discounted rates. For convenience, many opt for monthly subscriptions.
Why do party members have more influence than non-members?
Due to several significant elements in the internal workings and functions of political parties, party members have greater sway than non-members:
1. Formal decision-making rights
In a general view, party membership is the only one that is allowed to vote on party leadership, selection of candidates, and influence party policies, among other critical internal deliberations. These institutional structures mean that party members are in a position to control directly the direction of the party, but non-members are not in a position.
2. Capacity to influence internal democracy
Political parties frequently give their members access to procedural avenues for policy discussion and voting at meetings, conferences, and consultation procedures. By being a part of the party’s governance system, members’ power is institutionalized through their democratic involvement.
3. Mobilization and resources
The contributions made by members are very real in the success of elections because parties require members to carry out vital election-related activities such as canvassing, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment. This dependency tempts the party leaders to regard members to ensure they continue with their support and participation.
4. Closer alignment with party goals
Members typically have a closer alignment between their interests and the party’s goals, demonstrating a deeper ideological or political commitment to the party than non-members. Parties are encouraged by this alignment to give members more authority within the organization as representatives of its main constituency.
5. Access to internal information and networks
Members can influence decision-making more successfully than non-members or regular supporters because they have exclusive access to internal party conversations, documents, and networks.
Role of party activists versus ordinary members
Not all members of political parties participate in the same way. On the ground, party activists are more active and powerful than regular members, who usually maintain a more passive or sporadic involvement.
1. Involvement and activity level
Ordinary members
The majority of party members typically participate little or sporadically. They might receive party communications, pay dues, and even cast ballots for leadership or policy. Many, nevertheless, are mostly absent from regular party activities or campaigns.
Party activists
Activists of the party are a subset of members of the party who are very pronounced and active. They are also very active in meetings, campaigns, rallies, and organizational events. The typical activist is willing to take tough work such as canvassing, phone banking, event organization, and even working at the local office.
2. Ordinary members’ motivations and commitment
Ordinary members
Most ordinary people also become members to join in support of a cause, match their ideologies, or due to social coercion pressure. They are usually very motivated to serve the party due to their commitment to party principled values or other interpersonal relations in their circles.
Party activists
Generally speaking, activists are driven by a desire for direct impact and a deeper ideological commitment. At the municipal and occasionally national levels, they have a significant influence on party programs and candidate choices. Their political involvement is motivated more by values than by professional goals.
3. Impact on party choices
Ordinary members
Ordinary members have limited power over these more general but infrequent decision points, even if they can cast votes in internal party ballots.
Party activists
Activists are often elected to leadership positions of regional party branches or committees, and this gives them greater power over policy advocacy, campaign strategies, and candidate endorsements. They lead the mobilization activities of the party and are its link to the grassroots.
Conclusion
Membership of a political party remains one of the most direct ways of participating in politics and exercising influence on the future of the UK, though party membership has declined since the mid-20th century. Any member gets access to opportunities that are otherwise only available to members, no matter what you are out to achieve: run for office, make a difference in the policy formulation, or just want to have a voice saying something about the democratic processes.