POLITICAL PARTY AND PARTY SYSTEM (WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INDIA AND THAILAND)

Abstract

Political and party elites use money and muscle power as means to overcome the problems of mass democracy. Like was the method of representation had been invented to overcome the inconveniences of direct democracy and keep power safely in the hands of the elites, party leaders may be resorting to the use of money and muscle power to get through the elections in a mass democracy. In the olden days structured violence and social domination were helpful to win elections. When such means are no more feasible, at least to the extent to win election, parties and candidates have resorted to market principles-setting price for vote for which the possessors of the commodity are willing to part with. Where that is not possible or sufficient, coercion is employed.