Chemistry
Polarization and Its Impact on Legislative Gridlock
Quick fact
Since the 1970s, the ideological overlap between the two major U.S. political parties has nearly disappeared; today, the most liberal Republican is to the right of the most conservative Democrat, a situation that makes compromise extremely rare and gridlock the norm.
Why this is interesting
You’ve probably heard that Congress can’t get anything done. But have you ever wondered why the gridlock is so stubborn, even when leaders promise to work across the aisle? The answer lies not in personalities but in the deep structure of politics.