Is the US too politically polarized for effective governance?

Question

Many recent elections seem to be split almost 50/50 on popular vote and the Congress and Senate are nearly split down the middle. Additionally, political rhetoric seems aimed at magnifying the difference between the parties rather than searching for common ground. Do you see this trend as problematic towards effective governance in serving the greatest good of the greatest number of people, or do you feel that this is how politics should be played out?

Answer 1

I certainly hope not. I DO know that anger with President Bush depressed his base in the last elections and helped lose us the Congress.

Answer 2

Yes. The public with the values of the "losing party" has always had to fend for themselves and suffer a horrible-to-them four years or more, but when it's half of the country like it is now, things get ugly. I guess this is the new life of the Divided States of America. And from what I see, splitting the country would be too hard because it appears that blue states are mostly on the coast and red states are mostly in the middle. So governing a new Middle America would be relatively easy, but how would the new president of Coastal America split time and agencies on two separate coasts?

Answer 3

Historically, the people of the United States were a more religious people and held common ground with their beliefs. Their beliefs in God played an important role in their making decisions for the good of the country. In the last few decades, the country, as a whole, has become quite secularized and less religious. As the country becomes more divided between traditionalists and secular progressive, you will see more polarizing of the political parties. It is happening and it is detrimining our great country. "A house divided shall never stand" and we are more divided than we ever have been before, socially, politically, religiously and so on. Unfortunately, the divide is so great that it is becoming more and more difficult to come to common terms and thus the partisanship, bickering, etc.

Answer 4

Politicians play to their "BASE" and that base consists of those that hold to the most extreme views of the far left or far right.
As a result, we only get to vote for polarized representatives.
Be sure to support individuals with more amiable views early on, and VOTE in the PRIMARIES!
If you don't vote in the primaries, don't complain in November.
P.S. Ever notice how tax issues are always listed on the ballots when the turnout will be LOW? That is so those who want to get into your pocket and get further control over your life have a greater chance of getting their way.

Answer 5

Ooh no, best to keep it uncertain. The last thing anyone wants is complaisant politicians. Also the near 50/50 split will help keep the excesses of one party down as compared to a long-term monopoly.

Answer 6

The only thing that will help is for politicians to return to acting in the best interests of their constitutients and not in the best interest of being re-elected. Term limits might help that as well as repealing the 17th amendment to the constitution.

Answer 7

I prefer polarization; less effective government means more room to maneuver for us individuals and businesses out there that are trying to be successful.

The more government interferes (call it governance if you like) the more stagnation we all experience.

Answer 8

yes the political process unless dealt w/ could destroy America

the system is virtually ineffective why cant we see and hear and discern the times

Answer 9

yes. They need to take on a more centrist policy.