^^^ Parties are nowhere to be found in the definitions of democracy that I am familiar with, though apparently, they are organic. Even one-party totalitarian rulers had or have factions within the ruling party -- and that's politics. I'm thinking there must always be factions in politics, else no need for government? I mean, if we all thought exactly alike then the need for government would never appear.

From the very beginning of this particular nation, George Washington fought the creation of parties, even though a party grew-up around his own administration despite his efforts to kill it. Curiously, his vice president loved party politics and used that tool to undermine the president whenever possible.

Here's a little ditty from Dubyah the First:

There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose; and there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.