Final answer:
A political party is an organization that seeks to gain and hold control of government. They are composed of people with similar attitudes, interests, and socioeconomic status. Political parties work to influence policy and support candidates for election.
Step-by-step explanation:
A political party is an organization whose purpose is to gain and hold legitimate control of government; it is usually composed of people with similar attitudes, interests, and socioeconomic status. Political parties work to encourage changes in public policy and try to get their candidates elected. They are different from interest groups, which are usually loosely or tightly organized groups that seek to influence policy without trying to be elected.