Thomas Paine on the role of political parties.

“But who are those to whom Mr. Burke has made his appeal? A set of childish thinkers, and half-way politicians born in the last century, men who went no farther with any principle than as it suited their purpose as a party; the Nation was always left out of the question; and this has been the character of every party from that to this. The Nation sees nothing in such works, or such politics, worthy its attention. A little matter will move a party, but it must be something great that moves a Nation.”

Common Sense, Rights of Man and other essential writings of Thomas Paine: Signet Classics 200rh Anniversary Edition; page 260.