Definition of party political

The term "party political" refers to any activity, policy, or discussion that is related to political parties. The term originated in the United Kingdom during the late 19th century, when political parties became increasingly organized and influential in British politics. At the time, many people felt that the discussion of politics should remain apolitical and Henry Fawcett, a prominent Liberal MP, argued that a privileged position should be given to what he called "plain, disinterested facts" in politics. However, the emergence of mass democracy and the growing importance of political parties in shaping public opinion led to a shift in attitudes. Opponents of this new trend criticized those who they believed were prioritizing the interests of political parties over the general welfare of society. They labeled these individuals as "party political" or "partisan," suggesting that they were advocating for the narrow interests of a party rather than the broader interests of the nation. The term "party political" has since become a popular way to describe political discussions, activities, or policies that are seen as favoring one political party over another. While the term can sometimes connote a negative connotation, it is also used to describe activities that involve coalition building, election campaigning, and the formation of political alliances between parties. In summary, the term "party political" originated in the late 19th century as a criticism of the new trend of politicization in British politics. It refers to activities, policies, or discussions that prioritize the interests of political parties over the broader interests of society and has become a widely used term in contemporary politics.