Because people have fine-grained opinions, we need fine-grained representation in government. We have to find a way to accommodate a myriad of small parties--better called interest groups than parties--so that we can work out fine-grained compromises through the democratic process.

Heck, we've got over a hundred wildly varying politicians and amateurs running for governor, and everyone's bitching about it being a "circus." Can't seem to please anyone nowadays. ;)

Personally, I think most elections would be improved by making it easier for someone other than the Usual Gang Of Idiots* to get on the ballot.

*Thanks to Bill Gaines