When the Constitution was written in 1787, there was this supposition that American politics would be above party. The people who would staff the positions in government would have the interests of the country, or at least their states and congressional districts, at heart, and so they wouldn't form permanent political parties.

In this quote, H. W. Brands, a historian, discusses the initial vision behind the U.S. Constitution and the founding fathers' belief that American politics would be conducted without the influence of political parties. When the Constitution was written in 1787, the framers assumed that government officials would prioritize the interests of the country or their states and congressional districts, rather than forming permanent political parties driven by ideological divisions. This reflects the early hope that political leaders would work for the common good rather than be beholden to party agendas.

Brands points out that the founders envisioned a system where politicians, chosen based on their merit and understanding of national concerns, would collaborate without the need for the often divisive influence of parties. They believed that government would be focused on national unity and public service, with each individual representing the broader interests of their constituents rather than aligning with specific political factions. This idea reflected their desire for a government that transcended personal or partisan interests to work for the greater good.

However, despite this initial vision, political parties quickly emerged in the early years of the republic, starting with divisions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. These parties became deeply embedded in American politics, fundamentally changing the way the government operated and the way politicians interacted with each other. The rise of political parties introduced a level of partisanship and competition that the framers of the Constitution had not anticipated.

Ultimately, Brands' quote highlights the unintended shift in American politics, where political parties—once seen as temporary and unnecessary—became central to the functioning of government. The founding vision of a government based on the collective good of the people gradually gave way to the reality of partisan politics, a development that continues to shape the political landscape today.