Some Observers Claim That Partisanship In Congress Has Reach
Some Observers Claim That Partisanship In Congress Has Reached A Level
Some observers claim that partisanship in Congress has reached a level that is crippling the institution as an effective policymaking body. Party disputes on everything from healthcare to tax policy have produced legislative deadlock and delay. Do you share the view that excessive partisanship is warping the congressional process, or do you think members of Congress should stick to their partisan principles, whatever the consequences? This is a discussion question, I need this back by tomorrow by 11:00 P.M eastern Time. There are no required amount of words as long as its more than a couple of sentences. This doesn't really have to have references unless you specifically answer this with information from a source--This question is more for your own personal view so it needs to be answered in that way... No plagiarism whatsoever!!!!! Just in case my book is: Patterson, T. (2013). The American democracy (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Paper For Above instruction
The increasing levels of partisanship in Congress have become a subject of considerable concern among scholars, policymakers, and citizens alike. Many argue that excessive partisanship has fundamentally altered the functioning of the legislative branch, often resulting in legislative gridlock, decreased bipartisanship, and a decline in the effectiveness of Congress as a policymaking institution. From my personal perspective, I believe that the current climate of partisanship does indeed distort the congressional process, often hindering progress and obstructing compromise necessary to address vital national issues.
Historically, Congress has been a arena of debate and contestation; however, recent trends suggest that it has become more polarized to an unprecedented degree. This polarization is driven by various factors, including electoral incentives, the influence of partisan media, and the rise of ideological primaries which tend to favor more extreme candidates. Such dynamics incentivize members of Congress to adhere strictly to their partisan principles, sometimes at the expense of effective governance or bipartisan cooperation. As a result, legislative bodies often become battlegrounds rather than forums for productive policy deliberation.
Excessive partisanship fuels legislative deadlock, making it difficult for Congress to pass significant legislation. For instance, contentious issues such as healthcare reform and tax policy frequently result in stalemates, as parties refuse to compromise. This stalemate not only delays critical policy actions but also hampers the government's ability to respond swiftly to emerging crises. Furthermore, it fosters public disillusionment with the political process, eroding trust in democratic institutions. This sentiment, in turn, feeds back into political polarization, creating a vicious cycle that further entrenches partisan divisions.
However, proponents of maintaining strong partisan principles argue that ideological consistency and electoral mandates are essential to representing constituents accurately. They contend that compromising on core values could undermine democratic responsiveness and lead to policies that do not reflect the electorate's preferences. From this perspective, partisanship is a necessary feature of representative democracy, ensuring that diverse viewpoints are upheld.
Despite these arguments, I personally believe that the harms caused by excessive partisanship outweigh the benefits. While ideological fidelity is important, it should not come at the cost of effective governance or overcoming the bipartisan gridlock that currently hampers progress on critical issues. Members of Congress have a responsibility not only to their party but also to the country as a whole. Engaging in constructive dialogue and seeking common ground ultimately strengthens democracy and enhances policy outcomes.
In conclusion, the extent of partisanship in Congress appears to be increasingly detrimental to the legislative process. While protecting partisan principles is important, it should not override the need for compromise, collaboration, and functional governance. To preserve the efficacy of Congress, elected officials must acknowledge the necessity of working across party lines — for the good of the nation and the health of American democracy.
References
Patterson, T. (2013). The American democracy (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill, Inc.