This paper will – after briefly defining "political polarization" and explaining typical characteristics of
polarized two-party systems – investigate which potential chances and challenges of polarization exist and whether
they improve policy outcomes in the American democracy or not. Subsequently, probable trends in polarization
levels for the future will be discussed before a brief conclusion follows.
The main characteristic of a polarized two-party system in democracies is that the opinions towards political issues and policies are divided along the lines of the opposing parties. The more pronounced the polarization is, the more hostile the relationship between those parties is. In highly polarized systems, the other party is no longer accepted as legitimate opponent but viewed as existential threat for the own beliefs and lifestyle, but also for the positive development of the entire country.
In this case, both parties question not only the political positions but also the moral and democratic legitimacy of each other. This characteristic is crucial to distinguish a mere two-party system that offers policy alternatives to the electorate from an excessively polarized two-party system that the political scientist Emilia Palonen describes as "totalising system, as it aims to dominate the existing systems of differences and identities."
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definition & characteristics of polarization
- Chances & challenges of polarization
- Chances
- Challenges
- Future of polarization
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the phenomenon of political polarization in the United States, focusing on its definition, characteristics, potential chances and challenges, and future trends. It aims to analyze the impact of polarization on policy outcomes and the stability of the American democracy.
- Definition and characteristics of political polarization
- Potential chances of political polarization
- Potential challenges of political polarization
- The self-reinforcing effect of polarization
- The impact of polarization on democratic institutions
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction discusses the detrimental consequences of excessive polarization in democracies, using Barack Obama's observation on the Congressional debate over the Iran nuclear agreement as a starting point. It outlines the paper's structure, focusing on the definition of political polarization, its characteristics, potential chances and challenges, future trends, and concluding remarks.
The chapter on the definition and characteristics of polarization explains the concept of political polarization, particularly in the context of opposing parties in two-party democracies. It highlights the key characteristic of polarized two-party systems, where the relationship between parties becomes increasingly hostile, and the other party is no longer accepted as a legitimate opponent but seen as an existential threat. The chapter also discusses the top-down dynamic of polarization, where elite polarization leads to a polarization of the electorate and public.
The chapter on chances and challenges of polarization explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of political polarization. The positive aspects include the potential for a more lively political debate, increased voter turnout, and representation of a wider range of perspectives. However, the chapter emphasizes that these advantages only apply to a limited degree of polarization. Excessive polarization poses various challenges, such as the risk of political gridlock, a lack of flexibility and innovation, and the creation of echo chambers that contribute to a deeply divided society.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Political polarization, two-party system, democracy, policy outcomes, gridlock, echo chambers, mutual toleration, institutional forbearance, democratic quality, toxic partisanship.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2023, Examining Political Polarization. Chances, Challenges, and Future Trends in American Democracy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1448905
