A Government of the Parties, by the Parties, and for the Parties.

Time to decentrilize power.

John Adams feared political parties would tear our country apart. His presidency presided over the formation of the first two major political parties, the Democratic-Republicans, and the Federalists. John believed, “A division of the republic into two great parties … is to be dreaded as the great political evil.” Political parties are supposed to represent their members' and supporters' interests, ideologies, and concerns. In our modern form of government, they control the means to power. Depending on how you view the parties, they either act as a bridge or a barrier between citizens and the government.

Parties develop and propose policies on a wide range of issues, including economic, social, environmental, and foreign policy matters. They create platforms outlining their stances and proposals for voters to consider. Political parties select and endorse candidates to run for various elected positions, such as presidents, legislators, governors, and mayors. They conduct primary elections or internal processes to determine their official candidates. Parties are responsible for running election campaigns to promote their candidates and ideas. This includes organizing rallies, debates, advertising, and grassroots activities to gain support from voters.

Around the Andrew Jackson campaign, parties began regularly engaging with the public through outreach efforts, public forums, and communication to educate citizens about their positions and encourage civic participation. When a political party is in power, it becomes responsible for governing. This involves enacting policies, passing laws, and making decisions that align with the party's platform. Parties not in power play the role of the opposition. They scrutinize government actions, policies, and decisions. Holding the ruling party accountable. Political parties have represented diverse segments of society, including different social, economic, and cultural groups. Offering a platform for individuals to unite around shared values and objectives. During civil rights movements, parties engage in activism and advocacy to promote social change or advance specific causes that align with their ideology. With all the responsibilities of the people, political parties still manage their internal affairs, including decision-making processes, leadership selection, and establishing party rules and structures.

In our history, political parties carry a lot of responsibility. But do they live up to that responsibility? When was the last time we saw serious debates? Hand-selected town halls and candidate forums have replaced them. Parties encourage candidates to play nice, not to hurt one of their own. Insulating candidates from being challenged. How about accountability in government? One party wants Trump locked up, and one party wants Joe and Hunter Biden locked up. Diane Feinstein and John Fetterman are not healthy enough for office. Mitch McConnell does not appear to be well either. But nothing happens. They all keep their power.

During the Civil War period, anti-Slavery activists, ex-Whigs, and ex-Free Soilers came together to form the Republican Party and stand opposite to the Pro-Slavery Democratic Party. Today we have two parties, and there isn’t much need to form coalitions across the aisle. When the power of the executive and legislature is split, the people are left in a stalemate of investigations. When it is aligned, we are left in one-party rule where a slim majority becomes the objective. 

No longer representing diverse segments of society, our two political parties now largely represent their donors. As a result, both parties have factions of populist movements that are dissatisfied with government leadership. Believing the system is rigged and the economy is in favor of those with money and against those without. Plutarch, a Greek philosopher, biographer, and essayist who lived during the Roman Imperial period, believed, “An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics.”

Our founders created a system of government predicated on debate and decentralization of power. The intent was to keep our leadership groups small so as to represent the individual citizen better. When groups grow too large, history teaches us that they invite corruption and incompetency. Our current political parties have concentrated power and eliminated debate leading to corruption and incompetency. But how do we solve this problem?

If we want to be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people instead of a government of, by, and for the parties, we must lean into our republicanism. A country of 330 million people needs a party structure that is as diverse and plentiful as the populous. Instead of two parties, we should have three to five. Separating parties between state and federal and executive and legislative. This would discourage the concentration of our separated powers. And increasing the number of parties increases opportunity and competition in the marketplace of ideas. Increased competition will lead to more oversight and accountability. Making the groups smaller allows more of the populous a voice in their government.

The next time the parties tell you to vote for them or the other side will destroy America, ask them why giving them more power is the answer.