Pros And Cons Of Political Polarization

Current day America has become more politically divided than ever before. Politics are becoming more polarized meaning the left wing liberals are moving more towards the left while the right wing conservatives are moving further towards the right. This means that both sides are moving away from the middle of liberal and conservative which would be moderate. As a result of politics deviating from the middle or moderate, politics becomes more difficult because both sides cannot meet a consensus about certain issues causing America itself becomes more divided. Political polarization is a result of growing partisan antipathy, ideological consistency, and political engagement or activism. Growing partisan antipathy is a party’s negative attitude towards the opposing party. Greater numbers of both parties have extremely negative views of the opposing party and state that the opposing party’s policies are a threat to the nation. “In both …show more content…
In order to lessen political polarization more people with moderate ideals will have to participate in elections. People will also have become more educated in the dangers of political polarization. Some people believe that changing primaries to a more inclusive system of voting will encourage more moderate thinkers to vote in elections. Reihan Salam believes that getting rid of single-member districts and implementing more multi-member districts so that more than one representative can be elected to office will lessen polarization. He states that “ Under single-member, winner-take-all systems, he will never be represented by a Republican. But if five New York City districts merged into one in order to elect five representatives, a Republican could plausibly get elected to represent the 20% or so Republicans who occupy New York City.” Using this plan across the country may lessen the effects of political polarization but there is no absolute way to bring an end to