One of the functions of political parties is to aggregate interest. Political parties are organizations that represent the views and interests of their members and supporters. They bring together people with similar political beliefs and aims, and help to articulate their shared concerns and priorities. By aggregating interest, political parties provide a means for citizens to participate in the political process, and to express their preferences and opinions through democratic channels. While political parties may influence the making of laws and the interpretation of the constitution, they do not have the legal authority to declare a state of emergency.