Ridding of politcal parties

While I do agree that the removal of the two party system in America will not rid the country of corrupt politicians, I also stand by my view that in modern society political parties are no longer needed. My point in this debate is not to solve the corruptness of politicians (because there will always be greed and lust for power) but to address the evidence that shows that political parties hinder American voters. As mentioned earlier, Political scientists are beginning to see a rising trend in "split-ticket" voting. This may be for two reasons: to avoid incumbency and to focus more on the candidates themselves (rather than the political party they are associated with). Now obviously if elections are becoming more candidate based there seems to be little need for political parties. Although you mentioned it is in human nature to segregate and group themselves (which I do agree with), it is also important to overcome the generalization of candidates based on their parties. Because the United States is a two system party, voters are frequently tempted to engage in "straight-ticket" voting (which is simply voting for all candidates of a particular party). At first glance it may seem appealing to vote straight ticket due to the fact that the voting process is much faster and the political party you affiliate yourself with generally appeals to your point of views (because the candidates of the political parties each have a sort of standard to meet with their parties). However it can be quite unsettling to know that out of convenience one may be essentially voting for candidates that are either not suitable to be in office or turn out to conflict with one's own views. About 70 percent of all voters vote straight ticket. It is convenient to have political parties to make voting easier and to address problems as a larger, stronger voice, but it can be quite a misfortune to have someone elected that few have critically looked at due to the "grouping" political parties provide. Political parties may also cause candidates to be misrepresented in a way that causes candidates to be brought down not based on their actions or words, but the actions and words of the political parties themselves. Political parties in that way may also misrepresent an advocate. For example if Sally were to run up to David and tell him she was a republican, he may make a snarky remark not based on her own personal views, but at the general stances the Republican party makes on issues. This hinders Sally's ability to truly express all of her individual outlooks and beliefs. Perhaps David may even consider her a bad person because he believes all Republican's have the same view on (let's say) social security. The founding fathers themselves warned future Americans of political parties. Political parties keep people divided and uncooperative with one another. If people shared their own personal beliefs rather than being labeled as one big party they may get through to more people and connect with others ' views. John Adams stated: There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution. (Washingtonsblog) In his farewell address, President George Washington said: The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty (Washingtonsblog) I state my case, political parties only hinder the election of presidents and leave room for dominance of a faction. I also note that I do agree with you last statement dealing with knowledge.