The primary reason for the establishment of political parties is to _______?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the primary (main) reason political parties are formed. Look for the purpose that defines a political party and separates it from other organisations.

Step 2: Explain the concept A political party is an organised group of people with shared ideas and goals who come together to win control of government by contesting elections. This is the feature that separates a political party from a pressure group.

• Political parties want to take over government power.
• Pressure groups (such as NLC, ASUU and NBA) only try to influence government and do not seek to govern.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Attain political power: This is correct. Every other party activity, such as campaigning, presenting manifestos and fielding candidates, aims at winning elections and forming the government.
• B. Protect political interest: This is a secondary function. Parties do represent interests, but protecting them is not why a party exists. Pressure groups do this more directly.
• C. Make law: Law-making is done by the legislature. A party can only make laws through its elected members after it has won seats, so this is a result of gaining power, not the primary reason for forming.
• D. Lobby the government: Lobbying is the main activity of pressure groups, not political parties.

Step 4: Answer The primary reason for establishing political parties is to attain political power, which is option A.

Exam tip: Remember the phrase "Parties seek power, pressure groups seek influence." If a Government question asks about the main aim of a political party, think of capturing power through elections. If it mentions lobbying or influencing policy without ruling, think of pressure groups.