Without our two great political parties cutting across economic and geographic interests,can democracy as we know it have been made to function?

Yes. Our founding fathers didn't want political parties.

http://www.shmoop.com/political-parties/founding-fathers-political-parties.html

To answer this question, we need to understand the role of political parties in a democratic system and whether their absence could impact its functioning.

Political parties play a crucial role in democracies by representing and organizing different groups of people with diverse political ideologies and interests. They help mobilize voters, articulate policy positions, and act as a link between the government and the citizens. Moreover, political parties provide a platform for political competition, which is fundamental to a functioning democracy.

If we consider a hypothetical scenario where there are no political parties or only weak ones, it would have several implications for democracy:

1. Lack of Representation: Political parties serve as vehicles for citizens to voice their interests and concerns. In the absence of parties, it would be challenging to organize and represent diverse interests, leading to a potential disconnect between the government and the people.

2. Policy Development: Political parties contribute to formulating policies by presenting different ideas and engaging in debates. Without party-based policy platforms, decision-making might become ad hoc, making it difficult to navigate complex economic or social issues.

3. Accountability: Parties help hold elected representatives accountable for their actions. In their absence, it could be harder to scrutinize and monitor the government's performance, potentially reducing transparency and accountability.

4. Lack of Political Competition: Political parties provide a competitive environment that fosters checks and balances, ensuring a healthy democratic process. If parties were absent, it might lead to a concentration of power and decreased pluralism, potentially undermining democratic principles.

However, it's important to note that while political parties are a common feature in most democratic systems, their functions and structures can differ across countries and regions. There are examples of democracies functioning without strong political parties, but they often have alternative mechanisms to ensure representation and political competition.

In conclusion, while political parties are important for democratic functioning as we know it, the specific impact of their absence would depend on the context and presence of alternative democratic institutions.