One of the problems we have now is that all of Congress, and the President are essentially elected by the same group. This has led to the growth of power of the political party, as they can sway that group into selecting their slate of candidates.
There is no longer any sort of adversarial role between Congress and the Executive branch.
Prior to the 17th Amendment, the Senate was selected by the state legislatures, and while they were also elected by the people, there was a layer of independence, and so the Senate could act to preserve their own power, their own authority, and would be better advocates for their own state.
As it is now, the President, the Senate, and the House are all primarily devoted to serving their party, and the people and the states are secondary.
And since the Judiciary is selected by the President and Senate, they have become also devoted to party first.
Thus, the entire government is effectively run by the political parties. And if you’re not part of the party, you don’t have much of a voice.
Even if you are a member of a party, you have little voice.
Now, if you are a big money DONOR...