The Problem Of Political Polarization

Over the past three decades, the distance between parties has continued to grow steadily. As their distances increase it has become harder for presidents to receive votes from both parties.

" This article contends that the polarization in American political parties stems from the weakness of the parties themselves. Weak party structures might lead to fragmented ideologies, lack of party discipline, and susceptibility to outside influences such as special interest groups. Consequently, without strong leadership and cohesive party platforms, members may resort to

Thomas Mann of Brookings Institutions writes that, “in addition to the decline in competition, American politics today is characterized by a growing ideological polarization between the two major parties”. In addition to his opinion, political data has shown that political polarization is increasing and is more readily seen in the way the American government functions in the political sphere. In an article by the University of Rochester’s Campus Times they wrote “In 1950, the American Political Science Association’s Committee on Political Parties wrote a report called “Toward a More Responsible Two-Party System.” The report said that party leadership in Congress was far too lenient when it came to dissent within the party ranks, allowing members’ difference in positions to not be as important as they should. They said that in order for there to be a healthier democracy in the US, the country needed cohesive, top-down parties with clear agendas that can be carried out when in the majority. It also needed a cohesive minority party to criticize the majority party and act as an alternative.” While both the Campus Times and Thomas Mann suggest that polarization is somewhat necessary and is increasing, whether or not the necessity or increase is beneficial to American politics and government is debatable. In this paper, I argue that while polarization can be both unbeneficial and beneficial, for the most part is has proven to be unbeneficial for American politics and government.

We live in a world blanketed by the darkness of ignorance. Instead of blindly searching for the black or white answers, we must defeat the enemy by moving toward common ground. Currently in politics, we see the negative effect of polarization as the presidential campaign has become candidate centered rather than issue centered. We see the candidates resort to bully-like tactics where they attack each other personally, rather than focusing on the issues at hand. While it is said that polarity is an integral part of nature, we need our differences to bring us together as a whole, rather than drive us apart. Polarization is inevitable due to the unique design of every individual, but issues are seen as either black or white, when really

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Polarization is defined as the “division into two opposites”. (Merriam-Webster) Political Polarization refers to the perceived division of ideologies espoused between the two major political parties in the United States. The topic of political polarization is one frequently referenced in the media and in political discussions. Does political polarization actually exist or is it a myth? In this paper, this question will be analyzed and examined and a conclusion will be reached.

If one stops and takes a look at our political system today, one could be surprised by the remarkable progress that we have accomplished in this great country of ours. Many people believe that all is good in the USA, and that our political system could not be any better than it is today. However, this isn't true, our political system is taking a dive towards the worst. Who might the culprit be behind this decline of the political system in America today? The answer to this, is none other than polarization and partisanship. One might wonder, how exactly does this spread? The answer lies in social media. Americans will be able to find common ground and become less polarized, in a political sense, if and only

The polarization visible throughout the 2016- election was not, however, a new phenomenon. For years, Congressional representatives had been growing steadily more segregated along party lines. And for years, prominent political scientists had been identifying an ever-widening ideological divide between Democrats and Republicans. Recently, a study issued by the independent Pew Research Center exposed in clear terms the extent of political polarization in America, illustrating in hard data the schism that’s opened up between

In the last decade, political polarization has become more relevant in the United States. As controversial topics have become popular issues in our court system, media coverage, and everyday conversation, people’s political ideology on these topics have also changed. First, republicans and democrats are classified under the two main ideologies in America: conservatism and liberalism. As our world, has changed the democratic and republican party ideologies have developed negative views against opposing parties. Recently the American people develop such strong opinions on a topic they have difficulty seeing the others view point which I think is causing more people to become independent. In addition, if the majority in the community, you are

Researchers agreed that economic inequality and political polarization coincide with one another, because as one rises so does the other (McCarthy, Nolan & Poole 2003). The research for this study also seemed to support the idea that the political polarization increase in recent years is due to the fact that the gap had widened between voters who were republican and identified themselves as conservatives and democratic voters that identified themselves as conservatives. There was an increase in the number of republican voters identifying as conservatives while there was also a decrease in democratic voters who identify as conservatives.

The political climate today is increasingly becoming more turbulent as Republicans and Democrats volley for superiority in Washington. The two parties are becoming more polarized by the hour, and this is affecting the ability of the government to move forward and pass legislation and continue to improve America. The Senate is in a state of gridlock on some of the most important issues to the people of the United States to date, and yet the senators which the people elected are instead caught up in fighting the people on the other side of the aisle. They should be listening to what their constituents need and want. Today Republican senators are using filibusters, scare tactics, and even entire news networks

It would be wrong the deny that the polarization of the American political parties has hurt our country but has greatly damaged our form of government by the use of filibusters by the minority to stop the majority from passing a by using juvenile tactics to make the opposing party look bad. The polarization of the American political system, parties and people themselves has worsened since this book was written but it can be alleviated. Political parties have become so extreme that work is not getting done and the bills that do get past committee and out on the floor for a vote are not passed but are put on hold. While I believe both parties are partially at fault with the Republican party carrying most of the weight.

The main political divisions in the United States are into two parties - the Republicans and the Democrats. A recent (Pew Research study) [http://www.people-press.org/2014/06/12/political-polarization-in-the-american-public/] noticed a growth in ideological consistency within the parties, with the overlap in conservativeness and liberality shrinking between 1994 and 2014. This polarization of political views could have many effects on the politics of the nation - both in the upcoming (2016) presidential election and societal developments in the future.

Overall, polarization has become one of the defining characteristics of American politics in the 21st century. While much attention is paid to the bipolar makeup of Congress, the congressional divide is a reflection of the ideological, and now political, divide amongst the American public. What is the explanation for this widening gap between the two political parties? Essentially, there is not a sole cause leading to a polarized public, rather a myriad of actors on all levels, and in various ways, that have aided in fostering and maintaining a polarized environment in the United States. Thus, in order to get along with this study in a timely manner, I will only address the three trends explaining polarization that are most significant to the conclusion I aim to

Our country is at a pivotal point in its history. This past election has shown how truly divided our country has come. George Washington, who warned against political parties, would be rolling over in his grave. Democrats are more liberal and Republicans are more conservative than both either party has been in the past. The upper class is getting richer, the lower class getting poorer, and the middle class virtually disapearing. These divisions have led to hate and disdain for the other, despite shared interests in education and the economy. Despite the shared interest in economic equity, we will never achieve this goal when divided socially. The American dream cannot exist under the conditions of exclusion, bigotry, and resentment. However,

There are many theories as to how or why political polarization was formed, and the impact it has on government in modern day. Polarization has varied significantly over the years ever since the 1970’s. However, what is the true cause and can it be explained? This paper will discuss some theories on how political polarization came about, and analyzes some accounts of polarization overall. Defining political polarization is vital into developing an understanding of how or why it was initially formed.