Divide and Conquer: Partisanship Government Partisanship polarization is not a new concept to American politics. The Founding Fathers were divided on the philosophies of federal government between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. American politics saw a decline of partisan politics during the 1950s and 1960s, however there was a resurgence in the late 1970s that has yet to cease (Brewer, 2005, p. 219). While the political elite have been divided along partisan lines, the results of their division have extended to the American populace. The division of the American populace makes the governing by the political elite an easier task. Therefore, it is an easier task for the elite to maintain the status quo. Mark Brewer addresses the increase
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Sunstein and Hastie suggest that individuals become more polarized when they associate only with those who share the same political beliefs. Thus, an individual’s beliefs will intensify and they will identify as either more Republican or more Democratic dependent upon their original political identity. Sunstein and Hastie contribute the growing partisan divide on the groupthink phenomena rather than changing ideological beliefs. Thus, as the political parties become more divided along partisan lines the groupthink phenomena will continue to widen the …show more content…
However, Will McLennan (2011) suggests that a divided government is more beneficial than a one party controlled government. “The most common criticism leveled against divided government is that it produces gridlock” (McLennan, 2011, p. 162). As per political scientist David Mayhew “the passage rate of ‘significant’ legislation during times of divided government is only marginally lower than that during periods of unified control” (as cited by McLennan, 2011, p. 162). Therefore, the idea of gridlock is a misunderstood result of partisan control of government. McLennan cites various successful legislative acts that have been passed during partisan governments. Therefore, while a divided government appears to be ungovernable, it is
Sunstein and Hastie suggest that individuals become more polarized when they associate only with those who share the same political beliefs. Thus, an individual’s beliefs will intensify and they will identify as either more Republican or more Democratic dependent upon their original political identity. Sunstein and Hastie contribute the growing partisan divide on the groupthink phenomena rather than changing ideological beliefs. Thus, as the political parties become more divided along partisan lines the groupthink phenomena will continue to widen the …show more content…
However, Will McLennan (2011) suggests that a divided government is more beneficial than a one party controlled government. “The most common criticism leveled against divided government is that it produces gridlock” (McLennan, 2011, p. 162). As per political scientist David Mayhew “the passage rate of ‘significant’ legislation during times of divided government is only marginally lower than that during periods of unified control” (as cited by McLennan, 2011, p. 162). Therefore, the idea of gridlock is a misunderstood result of partisan control of government. McLennan cites various successful legislative acts that have been passed during partisan governments. Therefore, while a divided government appears to be ungovernable, it is