Why do we have Political Parties?

I have become very involved in politics this past year and it has been a eye opening experience. I guess you could say that I was very nieve.

After following the health care legislation and the games our political parties behind closed doors, it makes me wonder "why do we have political parties?"

Do our politicians work for the American People or for their party? Seems they work for the party because in doing so .... they get cabinet positions, funding for the campaigns, big people in the party to campaign with them, pork deals for their districts, etc.... and all the people have to give them is a vote, which should be enough if more people were educated when they go vote, but sadly they don't ... and for many years I did not either.

What if the party system went away and our politicians only had WE THE PEOPLE to answer to?

just a thought ....