What is party polarization?

Political Parties And Party Systems Questions Medium



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What is party polarization?

Party polarization refers to the increasing ideological distance and divergence between political parties within a political system. It is characterized by a sharp division between parties on key policy issues, with little to no overlap or compromise between their respective positions. Party polarization often leads to a more confrontational and partisan political environment, where parties are less willing to work together and more focused on advancing their own agendas. This can result in gridlock and hinder the ability of governments to effectively address pressing issues and make policy decisions. Party polarization can be influenced by various factors, including changes in public opinion, media fragmentation, and the rise of more extreme or ideologically rigid factions within parties.