Party politics in the US seems to work very like the UK.
On relatively trivial issues, individual MPs/Senators may vote irresepctive of party lines. This generally causes little problem for either the individual or the party.
Where an issue of local concern arises, individual MPs/senators may ignore the whip (or US equivalent). Parties tend to accept the odd rebellion if does not affect the outcome.
But for critical policy, strategy, and party survival politicians will very rarely ignore party leadership. To do risks their position, but possibly the survival of the party at the next election.
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