Political Parties, do we need them?

It has come to a time where most politicians are more looking out for themselves than their people in the U.S. (or it's been there for a while and we're just noticing it a lot.) The government, as it is, is dominated by a single party whose agenda can be pushed with no opposition. The checks and balances between particular branches of the government cease to work properly.

So I ask ...are political parties REALLY needed? Just would like some thoughts on this one. I know this isn't exactly conspiracy but yea ...seemed like a more befitting place to discuss it.