Analysis of the Partisan Divide

Introduction

In today’s politically charged climate, partisanship between both parties seems to have reached a tipping point. Partisanship is defined as a firm, and sometimes blind or prejudiced, adherence to a person, group, faction, cause, or party. This type of behavior is to be expected on some level, and it has been a natural side effect since our two-party system was created. However, it has gone from a minor nuisance to causing a canyon sized rift between America’s leaders and citizens. The Pew Research Center has been measuring feelings on political values and policy issues since 1994, and its latest study confirms that the partisan divide is the largest it has been in over two decades. To paraphrase Carroll Doherty, Pew’s director of political research and one of the authors of the study, “The fact that Republicans and Democrats differ on these fundamental issues is probably not a surprise, but the magnitude is striking…” (cited in Taylor, 2017). This divide can affect several important aspects of one’s life. From political gridlock stalling societal progress, to causing animosity amongst friends, family, and fellow Americans.

Ideally, this report will be of use to concerned citizens and voters from both political parties, and politicians that are willing to listen and keep an open mind. To achieve the highest amount of information available for this report rigorous research was conducted on the effects and level of partisanship in today’s politics. Years of statistics were also compiled and compared to previous years…