What do political parties primarily organize to do?

Political parties primarily organize to nominate candidates for office, which is a fundamental function of the party system in the United States, including at the state and local levels. By nominating candidates, parties play a crucial role in the electoral process, facilitating the selection of individuals who will run for various public offices. This nomination process not only aligns candidates with the party’s ideologies and policies but also helps to mobilize voters and create a support base during elections.

In addition to nominating candidates, political parties often engage in activities such as fundraising, campaigning, and organizing voter outreach. However, their central role is tied directly to the nomination and support of candidates who represent the party's platform, making it instrumental in shaping government at various levels. This focus on candidate nomination distinguishes party activities from other aspects of governance, such as policy analysis or resource management, which are not primary functions of political parties.