Originally Posted by C4 Diesel

The original purpose of political parties was to unite legislators and voters with similar political views, and to a lesser extent for simplification of governance. Thomas Jefferson was against this (which even then was a 2-party system), himself being concerned that this would split the country (pretty good foresight, huh?). Now the purpose of political parties is much more marred to the individual. While the parties still hold opposing viewpoints, many of which target different groups, they have gained new purpose. I don't think anyone would argue that either party would like nothing more than to have total governmental control. James Carville, on Meet the Press last November, asserted to Tim Russert that the modern-day purpose of the political parties is "to get people elected". All but the most sure-seated legislators (who barely need to put effort into getting reelected) are forced to adopt a political stance in relatively strict conformation with their party in order to get funding for their campaigns. The parties' agendas are no longer based around what they believe to be right, but what they can sell to the American people, not to mention that the truth is regularly and severely bent for "cosmetic" reasons.