Solutions to Political Polarization in America

This volume assembles several top analysts of American politics to focus on solutions to polarization.

Nathaniel Persily (Edited by)

9781107451919, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 April 2015

318 pages, 35 b/w illus. 3 tables
22.6 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm, 0.43 kg

Political polarization dominates discussions of contemporary American politics. Despite widespread agreement that the dysfunction in the political system can be attributed to political polarization, commentators cannot come to a consensus on what that means. The coarseness of our political discourse, the ideological distance between opposing partisans, and, most of all, an inability to pass much-needed and widely supported policies all stem from the polarization in our politics. This volume assembles several top analysts of American politics to focus on solutions to polarization. The proposals range from constitutional change to good-government reforms to measures to strengthen political parties. Each tackles one or more aspects of America's polarization problem. This book begins a serious dialogue about reform proposals to address the obstacles that polarization poses for contemporary governance.

1. Introduction Nathaniel Persily
2. Causes and consequences of polarization Michael Barber and Nolan McCarty
3. Confronting asymmetric polarization Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson
Part I. Reforming the Electoral System: 4. Polarization and democratization Arend Lijphart
5. Eroding the electoral foundations of partisan polarization Gary C. Jacobson
6. Solutions to polarization Elaine C. Kamarck
7. Geography and gridlock in the United States Jonathan Rodden
Part II. Strengthening Parties: 8. Parties as the solution to polarization Nathaniel Persily
9. Reducing polarization by making parties stronger Nolan McCarty
10. Focus on political fragmentation, not polarization: re-empower party leadership Richard H. Pildes
11. Two approaches to lessening the effects of partisanship Bruce Cain
Part III. Empowering and Informing Moderate Voters: 12. Data science for the people Adam Bonica
13. Using mobilization, media, and motivation to curb political polarization Markus Prior and Natalie Jomini Stroud
Part IV. Lowering Barriers to Policy Making: 14. Beyond confrontation and gridlock: making democracy work for the American people Alan I. Abramowitz
15. American political parties: exceptional no more David Karol
16. Partisan polarization and the Senate syndrome Steven S. Smith
17. Finding the center Russell Muirhead
Part V. Fostering Negotiation: 18. Making deals in Congress Sarah A. Binder and Frances E. Lee
19. Helping Congress negotiate Jane Mansbridge
20. Staying private George C. Edwards, III.

Subject Areas: Constitution: government & the state [JPHC], Politics & government [JP]