Author Question: Evaluate the development of party polarization in the United States. Consider both polarization ... (Read 74 times)

melina_rosy · **on:** Jul 10, 2018

Evaluate the development of party polarization in the United States. Consider both polarization within political parties and in the electorate. Does polarization create apathy or activism? What evidence supports your position?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

The winners of elections often believe that they have a(n) __________, which is a command, indicated by an electorate's votes, for the newly elected officials to carry out a party platform or policy agenda.

a. dictate
b. consensus
c. initiative
d. mandate

braelync · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 10, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Provide a definition of polarization such as: the presence of increasingly conflicting and divided viewpoints between the Democratic and Republican Parties.
2. Differentiate between party polarization and the polarization of the public, noting that scholars tend to agree that members of Congress are polarizing, with Republicans moving further to the right than Democrats are moving to the left. In terms of the party in the electorate, however, the public largely remains moderate, but citizens are also adopting policy positions that suggest they might be polarizing as well.
3. Assess the causes of polarization, including perception formation and clarification of party policy positions related to better party organization.
4. Examine consequences of polarization, such as congressional gridlock.
5. Formulate an argument on the consequences of polarization using evidence from the text to support a reasoned response.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: d