@LostInCalifornia @LoriQuaid The problem with parties is that the party becomes more important than the policy, and people will be sacrificed accordingly. Even an idealistic politician will eventually take the coin and do as she's told rather than what is right.
WS Gilbert put it so well:
When in that house MPs divide,
If they've a brain and cerebellum too,
They have to leave that brain outside,
And vote just as their leaders tell 'em to.