> As I understand it, essentially any high performing college student can join the party Not necessarily. I understand that it also takes personal connections

> As I understand it, essentially any high performing college student can join the party Not necessarily. I understand that it also takes personal connections and/or a little bribery to get in. > and then there's deal making and voting within the party. I wouldn't be surprised if there's different "factions" within the party, each fighting for control, or each who have a different vision for the future. My understanding is that this is absolutely true at the higher levels of the party, but not so much at the regular levels. Party membership itself doesn't confer much privilege or power.