Just what is the purpose of a national political party?

When I started wondering about this question, it occurred to me that: I both don’t know the answer because I haven’t thought that much about it; and there is little published on this subject. Why there is so little discussion on the purpose of national political parties in the USA is telling. These days it seems like the Democrats and Republicans have always been here, and that is the way it is. Why, I don’t know, though I have my own ideas. They seem to have much in common with each other in their ruling class approach than they do in representing our national interests. The lobbyist’s billions (yes as in billions of dollars) that go towards gaining votes towards spending our national wealth seems to transcend the national parties, and all the royal-like benefits they consume.

Let’s get past the obvious first. Our Constitution created the House of Representatives to be, well, the House of Representatives. Their job includes constituent services, and also arguing to “bring the bacon home”. This is American through and through. Federal and National things like the common defense, port control, and immigration services can be done equally well by those contractors from Ohio, or even South Carolina, just let the Congressmen decide. In the last 100 years, redistribution of wealth for social reasons or education can be added to the competition for federal jobs. All this seems like a job for national parties. This makes sense, to me. Organizing, as in unions and national political parties, adds weight to advancing ones cause in the real world.

Fast forward to today. What are we citizens getting for our support (including votes and money) of national parties today? I am not sure, but here is a guess. A small percentage (about 20% of Americans) are passionate enough about their cause, and somehow have enough money, to demand their national party do what they say. Fair enough, but along the way where is the national discussion, the balance, the acknowledgement that civility is important to all Americans. Where is there recognition that we all do not think alike? If the reader thinks this is all code words for the Democrats, they are correct. But you know, somehow, I think, the Republican national party may suffer from the same affliction of over confidence of how we citizens think and act.

Fast forward to tomorrow. The national interest, both foreign and domestic, takes the lead in how most citizens think and vote. There is no consensus, just us. Our country is not too shabby. National parties, and especially the hired-for-pay media masters (payed by fund raisers, in the end), in their quest for political power and benefits, and following the past practices, are anachronisms. The question I ask is: do the present political parties somehow reform inside to better represent us; or will another national party arise to represent us?

This idea and question is not a threat, nor it is a promise. We do demand responsible political leaders.