Hajoon Yun
Dr. Parrish
ISM II
3 Sep 25
During the annual Thanksgiving dinner, many Americans have ground rules. Most notably, no politics at the table. Understandably, this rule makes sense. In a society where politics has become very hostile, many wonder if it has ever been this bad and if the US, a stronghold of democracy, is beginning to fade away. However, there was a time when politics in the US wasn’t as divided. In the 1950s, a study by the American Political Science Association urged political parties to become more distinct and unique from its opponents (Karlsson). The report was quickly met with criticism from the political sphere at the time, but as the world evolved, so did the game of politics. The 1960s became the turning point for American politics. The rise of the Civil Rights movement and the subsequent switching of parties from Southern Democrat to Republican, led to a rise in party loyalty over national need.
In modern times, polarization has become much worse and much more visible. During the 118th U.S. Congress (2023-2025), the national legislature passed a mere 274 bills, much lower than the beginning of the millennium, when the 106th Congress (1999-2001) passed 550 bills (Congress.gov). The cause of this unproductivity can be pinpointed to both a lack of bipartisanship and compromise. This absence of compromise has driven many policymakers out of Washington and has made efficiency a rare commodity.
The rise of polarization can also be blamed on the electorate. The people function as the core in a healthy democracy. For a democracy to function, it needs its key actors to be protected, well-informed, and engaged in the democratic process (Center for High Impact Philanthropy). Once a population becomes vulnerable to misinformation, the democratic principle begins to crack. In the current American democracy, misinformation is rampant. The finger-pointing and blame-shifting in the political sphere has gotten to a tipping point in our modern history. The rise of polarization can be directly correlated with the rise of misinformation (Kleinfeld).
The blame for polarization can act as a two-way street. The dysfunction in the government leads the electorate to feel abandoned and underrepresented (Kleinfield). In turn, the electorate begins to abstain from the democratic process, leading to a retention of ineffective policymakers in public office. Throughout the ISM research process, the leading question will be “How and why did polarization become the norm in American politics?”. In the current presidential administration, it seems as if the democratic process is under threat. However, it is also worth mentioning that the lack of urgency and action from the opposition has also contributed to the high levels of polarization seen around the country.
In conclusion, the polarization pushed onto our democratic institutions is deeply alarming. It sets a bad example for future generations and other states around the world. As Congress becomes more and more gridlocked and the voters become more and more disenfranchised, it’s up to the people both in charge and in the voting booths to be well informed to push change into office. Throughout this series, the question presented before us will have no clear answer. But, following the guiding quote for the ISM journey this year, Et veritas vos liberabit: the truth shall set you free.
Works Cited
“5 Elements of a Strong Democracy.” Center for High Impact Philanthropy - University of Pennsylvania, 7 Dec. 2023, www.impact.upenn.edu/framework-for-healthy-democracy/. Accessed 05 Sept. 2025.
“Ask the Expert: Political Polarization in US Has Increased Due to Diploma Divide.” Michigan State University, msutoday.msu.edu/news/2024/09/msu-expert-political-polarization-in-us-has-increased-due-to-diploma-divide. Accessed 03 Sept. 2025.
"Browse U.S. Legislative Information - 118th Congress (2023-2024)." Congress.gov, Library of Congress, 5 September 2025, https://www.congress.gov/browse/118th-congress.
Karlsson, Carl-Johan. “Divided We Stand: The Rise of Political Animosity.” Knowable Magazine | Annual Reviews, Knowable Magazine, 19 Aug. 2024, knowablemagazine.org/content/article/society/2024/latest-research-what-causes-political-polarization. Accessed 03 Sept. 2025.
Kleinfeld, Rachel. “Polarization, Democracy, and Political Violence in the United States: What the Research Says | Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.” Carnegieendowment.Org, 5 Sept. 2023, carnegieendowment.org/research/2023/09/polarization-democracy-and-political-violence-in-the-united-states-what-the-research-says?lang=en.