Bipartisanship
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 12.2.3
Bipartisanship
The US Constitution does not mention political parties anywhere within it, but the separation of powers means that there is an imperative for different groups to work together in order to pass laws.
Other constitutional requirements
- Other constitutional requirements, such as the need for supermajorities to pass amendments or overturn a presidential veto, also require compromise between different parties.
- It is very rare for one group or idea to have such a large majority.
Is it effective? Yes
- There are many historical examples of bipartisanship.
- In the 1960s the two parties worked together under President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was a Democrat, and in the 1980s under President Ronald Reagan, who was a Republican.
- There was little bipartisanship under Obama, but in 2010 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' was repealed by a bill sponsored by Republicans and Democrats and supported by Republicans who voted with the Democrats.
Is it effective? No
- When there is divided government (different parties controlling the House, Senate and Presidency), the need for bipartisanship has caused many problems.
- As parties have become more polarised, compromise has become increasingly difficult, legislation harder to pass, and government shutdowns have occurred.
- This 'political evil' was warned against by George Washington in his 1796 Farewell Address, where he spoke of 'the baneful effects of the spirit of party'.
Test yourself on Bipartisanship
Which Obama-era bill was a rare example of bipartisanship?