it's taboo to say this but I've been reading a lot about Ancient Rome before Ceasar and yearn for that type of government. I know people have a disdain for aristocracy but people in charge were raised knowing they'd be powerful. As such, they'd be extensively educated both academically and in Roman culture. (Also sometimes moving to Greece to study at the best universities in the world). There was also no partisanship as each senator made the moves that benefitted them or their people the most.
these weren't parties really. it's similiar to saying you are a populist. To me bernie sanders and trump are both populists yet have vastly different views and would never be considered the same party.
edit: as it says on wikipedia, " ...the designation populares refers as much to political tactics as to any perceived policy."
