History
The Function of Political Parties in Agenda Setting
Quick fact
Political parties often control which issues become central to national debate, sometimes even more than the media or public opinion itself. By publishing detailed platforms and campaigning on select topics, they can force issues like climate change or economic inequality onto the agenda.
Why this is interesting
You’ve probably seen political ads focused on healthcare or taxes — but why do parties choose those topics instead of others? How does a party decide which issues deserve national attention?