One of the great things about America is that politics — never mind political philosophy — isn’t a big part of most people’s lives. Associating a body of ideas with the institutions — that is, the political parties — that are directly charged with putting ideas into action is a pragmatic way to cut to the chase. Paying attention to what the eggheads and theorists of the left and right want the parties to do is only worthwhile if you’re especially interested in politics.