THE FAILINGS OF POLITICAL PARTIES: REALITY OR PERCEPTION?

摘要: This article reflects on the current performance of political parties in UK, using Alan Ware's conceptual distinction between democracy as a means interest optimalisation, way fostering civic orientation among citizens, and mechanism popular choice control government. Seen from either first two perspectives, appear to be largely failing democracy, but they remain important mechanisms by which significant degree can achieved. Even here, however, are more challenged less appreciated than was once case, though this may reflect changes perception shift actual parties. That being it is not clear that institutional reforms aim improve party will necessarily achieve their goal.