9.4 Divided Government and Partisan Polarization

Divided government and partisan polarization shape American politics in profound ways. These dynamics impact legislation, policy-making, and governance, often leading to gridlock but also fostering checks and balances.

Factors like ideological sorting, gerrymandering, and media echo chambers have intensified polarization. This has far-reaching consequences for governance, public opinion, and electoral outcomes, fundamentally altering how our political system functions.

Divided Government and Its Implications

Advantages vs disadvantages of divided government

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• Advantages of divided government
  • Encourages bipartisanship and compromise between parties fosters cooperation and moderation in policy-making
  • Prevents one party from having too much power and control serves as a check and balance against potential abuses of power (Watergate scandal)
  • Slows down the legislative process, allowing for more deliberation and scrutiny ensures thorough consideration of proposed legislation and its potential impacts
  • Reinforces the system of checks and balances inherent in the separation of powers
• Disadvantages of divided government
  • Gridlock and legislative stalemate due to disagreements between parties hinders the ability to address pressing issues in a timely manner
  • Difficulty in passing major legislation and implementing policies leads to a lack of significant policy achievements (Affordable Care Act)
  • Increased potential for political brinksmanship and government shutdowns results in economic uncertainty and public frustration (2018-2019 government shutdown)

Partisan Polarization and Its Effects

Party polarization's impact on legislation

• Party polarization
  • Increased ideological divide between political parties widens the gap between liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans
  • Decline in moderate and centrist politicians within parties reduces the number of bridge-builders who can facilitate compromise (Blue Dog Democrats)
  • Reflects the growing divide along the ideological spectrum between conservatives and liberals
• Impact on legislative processes
  • Reduced willingness to compromise and work across party lines leads to a more confrontational and partisan legislative environment
  • Increased use of filibusters and other obstructionist tactics delays or prevents the passage of legislation (Senator Rand Paul's filibuster)
• Impact on policy-making
  • Difficulty in passing bipartisan legislation results in policies that lack broad-based support and may be more vulnerable to repeal
  • Policies often reflect the ideology of the majority party rather than a consensus leads to a pendulum effect in policy-making as control of government changes hands

Factors in increased partisan polarization

• Ideological sorting of parties
  • Realignment of the Democratic and Republican parties since the 1960s has led to more ideologically homogeneous parties (Southern Strategy)
  • Southern Democrats shifting to the Republican Party has contributed to a more conservative GOP and a more liberal Democratic Party
• Gerrymandering and redistricting
  • Creation of "safe seats" that favor one party over another reduces the need for politicians to appeal to a broad range of constituents
  • Reduced electoral incentive for politicians to appeal to moderate voters encourages them to cater to their party's base and adopt more extreme positions
• Media fragmentation and echo chambers
  • Growth of partisan media outlets and social media allows individuals to consume news and opinions that align with their pre-existing beliefs (Fox News, MSNBC)
  • Reinforcement of pre-existing beliefs and reduced exposure to opposing views contributes to a more polarized electorate
• Increased influence of special interest groups and activists
  • Pressure on politicians to adhere to party orthodoxy comes from well-organized and well-funded interest groups and activists (Tea Party movement)
  • Reduced incentive for compromise and moderation as politicians fear primary challenges from more ideologically extreme candidates

Consequences of polarization on governance

• Consequences on governance
  • Reduced government efficiency and effectiveness as gridlock and partisan bickering impede the ability to address important issues
  • Increased risk of government shutdowns and debt ceiling crises as parties engage in high-stakes brinkmanship (2013 government shutdown)
• Consequences on public opinion
  • Increased public frustration and disillusionment with the political process as Americans grow tired of partisan gridlock and dysfunction
  • Reduced trust in government institutions and elected officials as polarization erodes confidence in the ability of government to solve problems
• Consequences on electoral outcomes
  • Increased importance of primary elections and party loyalty as candidates must first appeal to their party's base before reaching out to the general electorate
  • Reduced competitiveness in general elections due to "safe seats" that heavily favor one party over another (Congressional districts with high Cook Partisan Voting Index scores)
  • Potential for increased voter turnout among highly engaged partisans who are motivated by ideological concerns and a desire to defeat the opposing party

Political Parties and the Electoral System

• Role of political parties in shaping the political landscape
  • Serve as organizing structures for candidates and voters
  • Develop and promote party platforms and policy agendas
• Impact of the electoral system on party dynamics
  • The winner-take-all nature of most U.S. elections reinforces the two-party system
  • Primary elections influence candidate selection and can contribute to polarization
• Political realignment and its effects on party composition
  • Shifts in voter allegiances can lead to significant changes in party coalitions over time
  • Realignment can result in the emergence of new political movements and the reshaping of party ideologies