Should America Do Away With Political Parties?

[Nordengrund]

When America was founded, there were no political parties. George Washington thought political parties were dumb. Until Democrats and Republicans appeared, I think that there were not any stupid issues like we have today and there was a lot less bickering back then then there is now. I believe the America from its Independence was the Golden Age of the United States.

I am wondering. Since there were initially no politcal parties other than Whig/Federalist, and everyone was pro- life, shouldn't we ban political parties so there is not so much quarrelling? Instead of voting for someone who is a Democrat or a Republican, we should vote for people for what they believe in, not for their party.

Would it be better if America was a No- Party State?

[Farnhamia]

When America was founded, there were no political parties. George Washington thought political parties were dumb. Until Democrats and Republicans appeared, I think that there were not any stupid issues like we have today and there was a lot less bickering back then then there is now. I believe the America from its Independence was the Golden Age of the United States.

I am wondering. Since there were initially no politcal parties other than Whig/Federalist, and everyone was pro- life, shouldn't we ban political parties so there is not so much quarrelling? Instead of voting for someone who is a Democrat or a Republican, we should vote for people for what they believe in, not for their party.

Would it be better if America was a No- Party State?

Better? Maybe. It's impossible to put the toothpaste back in that tube. President Washington disapproved of political parties but his circle of advisors did not, notably Madison and Hamilton. And there were problems of partisanship well before the appearance of the modern Republican and Democratic parties.

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[Samuraikoku]

No. Political freedoms.

[Gun Manufacturers]

When America was founded, there were no political parties. George Washington thought political parties were dumb. Until Democrats and Republicans appeared, I think that there were not any stupid issues like we have today and there was a lot less bickering back then then there is now. I believe the America from its Independence was the Golden Age of the United States.

I am wondering. Since there were initially no politcal parties other than Whig/Federalist, and everyone was pro- life, shouldn't we ban political parties so there is not so much quarrelling? Instead of voting for someone who is a Democrat or a Republican, we should vote for people for what they believe in, not for their party.

Would it be better if America was a No- Party State?

It would certainly get rid of people voting straight down the party's line during elections, simply because they support one or the other. It might also help increase the quality of politicians we get presented with (since the politicians would have to get elected on their own merits, instead of the letter after their name).

It's not going to happen though. Neither the Democratic party or Republican party would want to give up all the power they've built up over the years.

[Farnhamia]

No. Political freedoms.

Yes, this. Political parties are covered by the freedom of association guaranteed by the First Amendment.

[L Ron Cupboard]

...and everyone was pro- life...

Are you somehow trying to link abortion to political parties?

[Hladgos]

I think we should go back to the articles of Confederation. It'll work out just fine, cause Kansas and Missourri will finally be able to declare war on eachother.

[Vistulange]

For democracy to exist, the people must somehow have control over the government. The answer is elections. Or, there can be referandums for every single law, bill or act. Referandums are costly and quite the bother to organise, really, so parties are regrettably necessary.

[Imota]

If all of America's political parties were to disappear tomorrow, we'd have a billion new ones on Tuesday, and by the end of the week they'd coalesce into two big ones.

[Greater Amerigo]

It is not possible to dissolve parties these days.

What we need to do is crack down (and I mean WAY DOWN) on Super PACs and campaign financing, not to mention those "gifts" company CEOs give politicians.

After that, we should make it easier for third parties to make it onto the ballot, which will encourage more competition other than "Us, them, or that other guy".

[Faith Hope Charity]

Yes.. political parties creates laziness in the electorate... people vote for the letter in parenthesis after the name instead of researching positions nowadays.

[Nordengrund]

Though I am a Republican, I think we should have a non- party state, or have a multi- party system, but let Libertarians and other parties have representation in the government.

[Samuraikoku]

Though I am a Republican, I think we should have a non- party state, or have a multi- party system, but let Libertarians and other parties have representation in the government.

No. Political freedoms. First Amendment. United States Constitution.

[Nordengrund]

Though I am a Republican, I think we should have a non- party state, or have a multi- party system, but let Libertarians and other parties have representation in the government.

No. Political freedoms. First Amendment. United States Constitution.

I know, but we should at least let other parties have a voice and representation in government.

[The House of Petain]

No.

[Frisivisia]

I think we should go back to the articles of Confederation. It'll work out just fine, cause Kansas and Missourri will finally be able to declare war on eachother.

I'd like to see that. Better yet, Bible Belt vs. Rust belt. I'll pop some popcorn.

[Nordengrund]

I think we should go back to the articles of Confederation. It'll work out just fine, cause Kansas and Missourri will finally be able to declare war on eachother.

I'd like to see that. Better yet, Bible Belt vs. Rust belt. I'll pop some popcorn.

I cannot have popcorn, I have braces.

[Frisivisia]

I'd like to see that. Better yet, Bible Belt vs. Rust belt. I'll pop some popcorn.

I cannot have popcorn, I have braces.

Braces? Your kind are not welcome here. Off with ye!

[Caninope]

It is not possible to dissolve parties these days.

What we need to do is crack down (and I mean WAY DOWN) on Super PACs and campaign financing, not to mention those "gifts" company CEOs give politicians.

After that, we should make it easier for third parties to make it onto the ballot, which will encourage more competition other than "Us, them, or that other guy".

How in the world do you crack down on Super PACs when they're constitutionally protected?

[Frisivisia]

It is not possible to dissolve parties these days.

What we need to do is crack down (and I mean WAY DOWN) on Super PACs and campaign financing, not to mention those "gifts" company CEOs give politicians.

After that, we should make it easier for third parties to make it onto the ballot, which will encourage more competition other than "Us, them, or that other guy".

How in the world do you crack down on Super PACs when they're constitutionally protected?

Perhaps constitutionally, but they shouldn't under federal law.

[Charlotte Ryberg]

Actually, there should be more political parties in my opinion.

[Caninope]

How in the world do you crack down on Super PACs when they're constitutionally protected?

Perhaps constitutionally, but they shouldn't under federal law.

That makes no sense.

The Constitution is the highest law of the land.

[Frisivisia]

Perhaps constitutionally, but they shouldn't under federal law.

That makes no sense.

The Constitution is the highest law of the land.

Yes, but it doesn't cover institutions which grant unlimited political funds.

[Luw]

No. Political freedoms.

The illusion of political freedoms. Politics is like having two handfuls of shit - one that smells bad and one that looks bad - and having to decide which one to put in your mouth.

[Capitolinium]

Getting rid of political parties means curbing the right to assembly. That, in turn, runs one into a liiiiiiittle obstacle called the First Amendment.