What are your thoughts on the political parties?

I’m filling out my first voter registration form right now it’s very exciting

I’m at the part that asks if you’d like to affiliate with any political party, and if so, which one. I’ve personally never really liked the whole concept of parties, so I’ve always planned to be independent. But now, that the decision is here, I’d like to make sure I’m fully informed, and know all the ups and downs of all the options, before I make a choice in ink on an official document.

I’m going to be researching the different parties, and what exactly it means to affiliate with one or not, but I thought I’d tap into the infinite wisdom of all the jellies here while I’m at it.
Thoughts? Opinions?

Just for reference, this is what the form gives as options
– American Independent
– Democratic
– Green
– Libertarian
– Peace and Freedom
– Republican
– Other (____________)
– No (not registering to a party)