Consequences Of Polarization In Congress

Congress is facing a multitude of consequences due to high levels of polarization. First, there are many scholars who believe that increases in polarization are damaging to American democracy. This trend contributes to the frustrations present in the policymaking process. In addition to Binder and Jones finding polarization associated with gridlock and policy inaction, they also discovered that ideological divergence between the parties has a stronger effect on government's legislative productivity than does divided party control of government. This suggests that the lack of work being completed in Congress is actually due to the parties being so far apart rather than it being caused by the divided control. Next, polarization has led
The first of these two goals stems back to Fenno's three goals of congressional members; reelection, influence, and good public policy. Originally, all three could be accomplished through the use of committees. Members would start out by working through their committees to develop solutions to a perceived problem, then work to gain prestige within the institution with the hopes of becoming a committee leader. If done successfully, the ability to achieve good public policy, exercise influence, and secure future prospects of reelection can all be accomplished. However, due to a number of reforms passed this route is no longer feasible. Political parties have taken over the means by which members can achieve good public policy, which is ultimately satisfying the parties goal of solving public
Congress was designed the way it is in order to allow the American people to have a voice in our government. With that it is no surprise that Congress relies heavily on public opinion and involvement. However, too much consideration for how the public feels and what the public wants leaves the door open for a variety of complications. One of the larger complications of this is the impact elections can have. An article by Kane discussed how the Senate cannot get anything accomplished due to the gridlock their facing within the leadership; this is between Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. One of the primary reasons at the time that these two wouldn't try and work towards a compromise on anything was the upcoming November midterms. Neither side could give in to the other even in the slightest without undermining and hurting their party in some way. Their personal interests in reelections trumped them serving their purpose of being in Congress in the first