Partisanship in the Congress
Reflect on partisanship in the Congress and discuss the proper role of the minority party in each house of the Congress. Is the frequent use of the filibuster for ideological purposes an act of patriotism or partisan politics at its worst?
Also discuss the proper role of the majority party in each house of the Congress. In responding to your classmates, discuss if you think its members should exclude the minority party whenever possible or try to compromise with them.
Sample Solution
Partisanship within Congress is a hot-button issue. It refers to the act of placing party loyalty above all else, and in some cases it has caused legislative gridlock. As such, understanding the proper role of the minority party in each house is essential to preserving democracy and encouraging transparency between parties.
In general, the minority party should have a say in decision making while also recognizing that they are outnumbered by the majority party (Cooper et al., 2020). By doing so, they can both provide an alternative perspective as well as ensure that any new policies or laws passed do not overlook key issues. This is especially important when it comes to bills that directly affect citizens’ rights or economic prospects. Additionally, by taking part in debates and discussions surrounding proposed legislation, members of the minority party can help identify potential flaws early on – thereby helping to produce better policy overall (Cooper et al., 2020).
On the other hand, however, there has been increasing use of filibusters for ideological purposes in recent years due largely to partisan politics being pushed into every corner of government(McDonald & Saizewaite 2017). By obstructing progress through extended debate with no real intention for negotiating a solution these acts can be seen as both anti-democratic and counterproductive given their lack of visible benefit beyond simply delaying proceedings (McDonald & Saizewaite 2017). Such tactics can lead to unrest among constituents who are increasingly feeling dissatisfied with their representatives’ inability to actually pass meaningful legislation – ultimately leading political stagnation rather than democratic growth.
In conclusion, it is clear that while providing an alternative view point within legislature is beneficial on one level; using them solely for ideological reasons rather than seeking compromise or further discussion can be damaging both politically and morally speaking.. In order for true democracy flourish it is therefore essential for those involved in decision making processes across congress recognize each other’s points of view – allowing room for healthy discussion but ultimately respecting majority opinion.
