… When the parties are functioning properly, they limit ballot access to fit candidates who are of good character and generally reflect the views of a significant chunk of the electorate. This is what makes parties essential to a well-functioning democracy, for it is only when voters have good candidates to choose from that the ballot box actually serves as a useful check on our governing institutions.
But what happens when the parties fail to do this? What happens when they nominate morally dubious candidates or candidates from outside the mainstream? That undermines democratic accountability, as voters face a choice that does not reflect their values or interests. If good parties enhance democracy, bad parties weaken it. CONT.
Jay Cost, Weekly Standard