Polarization Between American Politics And Politics

As with much political science, the concept of polarization can be a bit murky. Inferring from the term itself, one could say that polarization in American politics refers to a widening of the gap between what could be called the average left-wing and right-wing politician, voter, or ideology on a standard political spectrum. Another examination of the term could result in a definition regarding the lack of cooperation between the two major American political parties. Although, it would be more accurate to say that both examinations of the term are correct – and that polarization can create an environment in which the two main modes of thinking are largely incompatible. Proceeding from a definition, one might speculate how polarization†¦show more content†¦Understanding polarization is important because it has often been acknowledged as one of the most problematic process currently undergoing American political institutions. Several scholars, regardless of their schoo l of thought, have described it as having the potential to cause a self-destruction of Congress (Farina 1690-691). There are several consequences that are currently apparent in today’s political landscape, including â€Å"institutional stalemate and associated political misbehavior (Farina 1691).† It is important to note that there is empirical evidence that â€Å"congressional polarization has been steadily and consistently increasing since the 1980s (Farina 1701).† In this event, it is understandable why political scholars are so entrenched in discovering the sources of polarization. There are several theories that attempt to accurately calculate the causes of polarization, but most of these theories only find moderate culprits – few of these theories and studies find a catch-all cause of polarizaton. One study, completed by Jesse Sussell and James A. Thomson, points to population clustering as a factor in polarization. In their study, they examine the shifts in population and their contribution to polarization in the U.S. House of Representatives. In other words, this study claims that the growing disparities between liberal and conservative locations (such as large cities and rural towns,Show MoreRelatedIs Political Polarization Good or Bad for American Politics and Government?963 Words   |  4 Pageswrites that, â€Å"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 polariza tion is increasing and is more readily seen in the way the American government functions in the political sphere. 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