In nascent democracies lacking career incentives, MPs don't just form parties by default. They actively seek colleagues who align on key policy goals.

Our analysis centers on the pivotal 1848 Frankfurt Assembly—a landmark moment when Germany's first democratically elected parliament built a complex party system from scratch. Using statistical methods and qualitative evidence, we demonstrate how these early legislators strategically formed parliamentary parties based not just on ideology but also factors like age, regional background, religion, noble status, and prior political experience.

What makes this finding particularly relevant? The study reveals that major shifts in the party system stemmed directly from policy disputes. This isn't just about historical curiosity—it offers crucial insights for understanding modern democratic transitions where MPs might still prioritize ideological alignment over practical career benefits.