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The two party system was a natural occurance in the battle for political power. Just as individuals turned into families turned into militias turned into armies were a natural progression of warfare and self defense, so were parties an evolution of politics.
First it was Federalists and Anti-federalists. Groups of like-minded people would form up along common ideals and would mutually support each other. While they dont agree with each other on everything, the power granted by the mutual support was too great to simply leave. So while you were in the same party as someone, you would support their bills even though you didnt necissarily agree with every part of it. This is where the internal politics of the political parties hammers out details, supporting a bill you dont necissarily support would make them in debt to you in the future.
Really complicated yes I know, but our founding fathers made sure to keep the political process slow (slow means less crap gets through usually). So now it's extreamly hard to get the funding required to get elected, and enough support if you do as an independant. So while people say they're a Rep/Dem it doesnt mean they believe everything the "party" line does.
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