Political parties are a principal means by which the people’s will is made known to the government and government is held accountable to the people. Briefly describe party functions that achieve these goals.

What do you mean by "government"? Do you mean the legislative branch or the executive branch?

Members of both branches are parts of political parties.

Yeah the legislative branch

Read this to find out what political parties are and what they do:

http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_parties_in_the_United_States

Political parties play a crucial role in achieving the goals of making the people's will known to the government and holding the government accountable to the people. Here are some party functions that serve to fulfill these objectives:

1. Representation: Political parties act as intermediaries between the citizens and the government. They represent the diverse interests of the population and work to build consensus among their members. Through elections, parties put forth candidates who reflect the views and aspirations of their supporters, allowing the people to express their will.

2. Political mobilization: Parties are instrumental in mobilizing citizens, raising awareness, and encouraging political participation. They organize campaigns, rallies, and events to engage citizens in the political process, thereby ensuring that the people's voice is heard. This helps in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions.

3. Formulating policy: Political parties develop and articulate policy platforms that outline their positions on various issues. This allows citizens to understand the party's stance and make informed choices during elections. By developing well-defined policies, parties ensure that government actions align with the will of the people who support them.

4. Legislative function: In democratic systems, parties play a vital role in the legislative process. Members of parties work together with shared ideologies to hold seats in parliaments or congresses. They propose and debate laws, scrutinize government actions, and hold the executive branch accountable for its decisions.

5. Oversight and scrutiny: Parties serve as a mechanism for oversight and scrutiny of the government's performance. Through opposition parties, the government is questioned, policies are challenged, and accountability is upheld. This ensures that the government remains accountable to the people by providing a forum for critical examination and evaluation.

To summarize, political parties achieve the goals of making the people's will known to the government and holding the government accountable through functions such as representation, political mobilization, policy formulation, legislative activities, and scrutiny of the government's actions. These functions collectively ensure that the government remains attuned to the needs and aspirations of the citizens it serves.