They were prescient

In 1780 John Adams wrote that "the greatest political evil" to be feared under a democratic constitution was the emergence of "two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other." I can't say that our two parties are "great" but they sure oppose each other. 

In his farewell address George Washington described the "spirit of party" as democracy's "worst enemy." It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one party against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection." He's right on the button for today's parties.