17.2.3 Bipartisanship.

Bipartisanship in the US Government

Definition:

Bipartisanship is crucial in a system where power is divided, particularly during periods of divided government when one party controls the executive branch and the other controls one or both chambers of Congress. It ensures that governance can continue effectively despite partisan differences. Bipartisanship is essential for the passage of significant legislation and for maintaining governmental stability, especially in times of crisis.

---

Examples:

---

Significance:

Bipartisanship also helps to moderate extreme policies, ensuring that laws passed reflect a broader consensus and are more likely to be stable and sustainable over time. It demonstrates the ability of the US political system to adapt and respond to the needs of the country, even when partisan divides are deep. Without bipartisanship, the risk of governmental paralysis increases, which can lead to a loss of public confidence in democratic institutions.

---

Divided Government

Definition:

---

Historical Context:

From 1969 to 2021, the United States experienced 36 years of divided government, compared to only 15 years when one party controlled both the presidency and Congress. This trend highlights the frequent occurrence of divided government in modern US politics, making it a key feature of the political landscape.

---

Impact on Legislation:

Divided government can lead to more thorough scrutiny of bills and treaties, as each party critically evaluates the other's proposals. This increased scrutiny can prevent the passage of laws that might otherwise go through with less opposition under a unified government. However, it can also result in legislative gridlock, where progress is stalled due to the inability of the parties to reach a compromise. A notable example of this is the 35-day government shutdown in 2019 during Trump's presidency, which was the longest in US history.

---

Challenges to Bipartisanship:

Divided government makes bipartisanship more challenging, as the parties often have vastly different ideological beliefs. This was evident in the 116th United States Congress, which only passed 344 laws, making it one of the least productive in history. Despite these challenges, there have been instances where bipartisanship has prevailed. For example, during the same 116th Congress, both parties collaborated to pass significant coronavirus aid packages.

---

Judicial Appointments and Polarization:

Divided government has contributed to increasing polarization, particularly in judicial appointments. For instance, when President Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court in 2016, the Senate, controlled by the opposite party, refused to hold a hearing, citing the fact that it was an election year. In contrast, Trump's nominations received swift confirmation, reflecting the deepening partisan divide.

---

Recent Examples and Consequences:

The polarization associated with divided government has become more pronounced in recent years, with each successive administration setting new records for a lack of legislative accomplishment. This was evident in the rejection of both Trump's and Obama's budgets by the opposing party in Congress. The 2020 presidential election further exacerbated these divisions, culminating in the unprecedented storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, as supporters of then-President Trump attempted to halt the constitutionally mandated certification of the election results.

---

Conclusion:

Divided government is a double-edged sword in US politics. While it can lead to more rigorous debate and prevent the unchecked passage of legislation, it also poses significant challenges to governance, particularly in an era of increasing polarization. The difficulty in achieving bipartisanship under divided government has led to frequent gridlock, affecting the ability of the government to address pressing national issues effectively.