FREE VOTES, regardless of the party system or one based strictly on independants. The intimidation and threats of the party whips, and outcasting of publically elected officials is what needs to stop. By making free votes law and enforceable with sizeable punishments, and making all bills tabled equally is the only way to fix the system. Anyone seeking to undermine democracy by coercing an official to vote under threat of job loss, violence, career suicide or political isolation is wrong. Should be treated as the criminal they are under the criminal justice system as it pertains to extortion, which is exactly what it is. The system will never be perfect, but right now it is down right broken.