Two Party System Failures
Who left all the No Haggling signs up on Capital Hill? I guess Senators Snowe, Collins and Specter still deal with the Democrats on economic stimulus legislation because there are no Republicans left in New England who care enough to complain about it.
Zero Sum Games
Two dimensional politics no longer suits our three dimensional world. When Democrats and Republicans can’t settle their differences, neither side has anyone else to negotiate with. Every issue becomes part of an ongoing attempt to portray the other side as dangerously out of touch with the American people.
Lately Democrats and Republicans see themselves more as political opponents in a never ending sporting event, rather than as lawmaking partners. Under these circumstances, compromise is portrayed as capitulation. Most disagreements end up in a stalemate.
Rigged Voting Districts
The two parties currently in power do work closely together to deprive other political organizations of adequate legislative representation. At least once every ten years, voting districts are carefully drawn to maintain the status quo. We end up with an overwhelming number of uncompetitive elections, where incumbents are assured of re-election for as long as they continue to run for office.
All of these rigged elections turn citizens off. People don’t believe that their vote counts. Voter apathy then plays right into the hands of the incumbents, who dominate low turnout elections. John Dingell has represented his Michigan district since the Eisenhower administration.
Politicians who have no concerns about getting re-elected have no incentive to respond to the needs of their constituents, so they refuse to compromise on any legislation. Cronyism rules the day. The whole country loses when lawmakers get too comfortable in their seats.
March 23rd, 2009 at 7:32 am
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