Democrat, Republican, Tea Party, Libertarian, the U.S. has grown accustomed to these political labels over time.
Political parties have not always existed. In fact, in President George Washington’s Farewell Address, he warned of the “baneful effects of the spirit of party.”
Despite President Washington’s warning, political parties entered the political system in in 1787, with the Federalist party.
Christopher Mann, Assistant Professor of Political Communication, expressed his concern for the way the parties have evolved over the last decade.
“People living in different parts of the state…different parts of the country want elected officials that reflect them not the sort of national average Democrat or national average Republican,” Mann said. “And we’ve lost some of that.”
The discord between the parties is evident in the political ads that run rampant during election periods. But Garrett Clawson, LSU student and Common Sense Action President, did shine some light on a positive aspect of the parties.
“I think that political parties can be a force for good,” Clawson said. “It allows people with the similar views to talk and refine those views.” 
A common trend among voters during less publicized elections is simply voting along party lines and not worrying so much about the issues.
Mann continued, “There’s no question that parties as sort of a symbol are a short cut to ‘is this person good?’ or ‘do I generally agree or disagree with this?'”
Clawson disputed the claim that young voters are not taking part in politics and explained the new way in which this generation is looking when deciding for whom they should vote. 
“We’re really looking for candidates that come up with solutions and proposals no matter where this solutions come from,” Clawson said. “We’re just looking for people that are willing to step out and solve the problems that we’re facing as a country.”
Regardless of whether political parties are helpful or harmful to our country, they are major factors in our political system. 
The most important point to remember is that our engagement in politics is to create a better version of our country.