Yes and no. There are two levels of leadership, state and federal. On the state level the leadership takes away offices, parking spots and committee appointments. In CA they have been known to move a person from a plush office to a basement cubby. One fellow had a desk in a hallway in the basement. On the national stage they are a bit more subtle, but the effect is the same. Often a person who is running for their office again won't get support from the national party or committees they can use to rise in leadership. So,yes they are punished for not towing the line and unless they fall into place they are exiled resulting in pressure to quit.
Members of political parties have all the freedom they want to vote against their parties. The reason this is rare is because if the member wants to get anywhere further in his/her political career, he/she will need a LOT of support from the party. And your party will not help you if you try to vote against it on important issues to the party. Nobody wants to be a pariah in his/her own party.
The first American political parties developed primarily out of the need to provide alternative leadership. They were a platform for criticizing the policies and leadership offered by the government.
In some countries, civil servants are allowed to belong to a political party as citizens but are typically required to remain politically neutral in their official duties to ensure impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest. However, in other countries, civil servants may be restricted from engaging in political activities to maintain professionalism and integrity in their roles.
George Washington is noted for warning against political parties.
by encouraging them to view members of competing parties as enemies
by encouraging them to view members of competing parties as enemies
by encouraging them to view members of competing parties as enemies
republican and democrats
Supported by members of two parties, especially two major political parties.
By encouraging them to view members of competing parties as enemies
The institutional characteristics are national party leadership, party platforms, and parties at the state and local level.
Washington did warn against political parties. He was very persistent in saying they were bad for our nation's growth.