Final answer:
The internal democracy of a political party refers to the level of participation and influence that party members have in making decisions within the party, such as selecting candidates or forming policies. Well-implemented internal democracy ensures representation of members' views, legitimacy, and prevents power concentration. It's crucial for the health of a party and the overall political system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The internal democracy of a political party refers to the processes and structures within a party that allow for the participation and representation of its members in decisions that affect the party, such as the selection of candidates, development of policies, and leadership choices. A high level of internal democracy implies that the party's members have a significant say in its direction and operations, ensuring that the leadership and policies reflect the will of the broader membership. This contrasts with a less democratic internal structure where decisions are made by a small set of leaders without much input from the party's rank and file.
Entrenching internal democracy within political parties is vital for several reasons. It strengthens the legitimacy of the party in the eyes of its members and the public, encourages active participation and engagement from its base, and can lead to better responsiveness to the needs and desires of its constituents. Furthermore, a democratic internal structure can prevent the concentration of power among a few individuals, thereby protecting the party and by extension the broader political system, from becoming unduly influenced by a small, potentially unrepresentative, leadership group.
Many modern democracies operate with political parties that have internal structures reflecting different degrees of democracy. Factors that influence internal party democracy include, but are not limited to, the method of candidate selection, leadership election, inclusivity of party membership, and the transparency and accountability of decision-making processes. The presence of strong internal democracy within parties is indicative of overall democratic health, ensuring that they operate in line with the values and principles of the broader society's governance system.