The type of party system in practice is defined by the

The type of party system in practice is primarily defined by the number of political parties in a country. The number of political parties is a key factor that determines the level of competition and diversity within the political system. The structure and manner in which the parties operate are also important, but these factors are often influenced by the number of parties. For example, in a two-party system, the parties may have a more hierarchical structure and operate in a more adversarial manner, whereas in a multi-party system, the parties may have a more decentralized structure and operate in a more collaborative manner. The relationship between the parties and the electorate is also important, as it can influence the level of trust and legitimacy that the parties have in the eyes of the voters. However, this relationship is also influenced by the number of parties and the overall political context in which they operate.