I came across an interesting poll today about Americans' preference for one party power in both the executive branch and congress.
It is interesting how there has been such an increase in the past year for this preference of one party government. The 38% increase may be due to the upcoming election or stronger party preferences. Another possible reason for this one party trend could be the increase of polarization between the two parties. People may be realizing that with a divided government (between Congress and the President) it is difficult to get things done do to this polarization.
In contrast, preference for a "split bill" is at a record-low of 23%. A possible explanation for this large decrease in support for two party rule could be the frustration with the difficulty in receiving Republican support behind some of Obama's proposals (such as the Affordable Health Care Act).
Why do you believe there is this large increase in support for One Party Government? How will this effect the upcoming election?
2 comments:
In a One Party Government, the President and Congress agree on more issues than in a split party government. This makes it much easier to pass laws and solve issues that can be agreed on by both the President and Congress. With the House of Representatives currently constituted by a Republican majority and the President being Democratic, people are now seeing the consequences of a split party government. Thus it is natural for the people to want something more efficient than the current system. I don't think that this increase in favor of a One Party Government will greatly effect the upcoming election. The Democrats will continue to promote Obama and the Republicans will continue to promote Romney despite the opinions of a poll measuring the preference of Americans' for a one party or split party government. Furthermore, I don't believe voters will change their opinions based on the greater likelihood of a One Party Government. The Democrats want a liberal leader to help counteract the Republican majority in the House and Republicans want a conservative leader who can agree with this Republican majority.
While this poll has some fascinating implications regarding the American people's escalating discontent with the way the federal government in handling issues such as the economy, I doubt the 2-party system will change. Americans have had to deal with 2-party government since Alexander Hamilton founded the Federalists and Thomas Jefferson founded the Democratic-Republicans. Still, huffingtonpost puts out the questions of whether the Founding Fathers really intended a 2-party government to be created.
A 1-party government might be able to produce more change than the current system is able to. However, having only one party does not give Americans much choice. Having two parties (and the occasional third party) allows the people to choose between the parties' different opinions on issues affecting the country.
I personally would not support a 1-party government. Many 1-party governments such as China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cuba are communist. Other significant 1-party governments include Nazi Germany under Hitler's rule. While such as system allows for stronger government, it will come at a serious cost. As Ronald Reagan said, "Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty."
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