Congress - the gridlock.

I've just come across a great post by the Democracy in America blog on the Economist's web-site which discusses the gridlock in Congress. Great stuff for anyone contemplating this topic in Unit 4C. The article summarises the findings of a study from the Brookings Institution which came to the conclusion that polarisation of politics is increasing because there are fewer and fewer links between politicians. This leads to less cooperation and compromise:

“IF I sponsor a bill declaring apple pie American, it might fall victim to partisan politics,” declared Barack Obama over the summer. 

Picture credit: Brookings Institution

Great stuff.

However, it must be born in mind that Congress does sometimes pass laws with bipartisan support. A good example would be the July 2014 Workforce Investment Act passed by 415-6 in the House and 95-3 in the Senate - this is a bill to help workers and the unemployed get training to the tune of $3bn per year. Further info can be found here.

In August 2014, there was bipartisan support for airstrikes on Iraq in order to take action against ISIL.

It must be noted that these events are rare and that is why headlines are made when laws are passed with the support of both parties.