Polarization in Congress: A Dichotomy of Unity and Division in the Legislative Branch POLARIZATION OVERVIEW: Polarization occurs when members of both parties Politicians systematically vote along ideological lines. The ideological differences in Congress today are staggering. Members of Congress are increasingly moving away from moderate positions and adhering more to party ideologies. The problem of polarization arises when there are two incredibly different ideologies, where both sides are so convinced that compromise is unworkable. Some members of Congress are able to adhere to consistent personal ideological beliefs, but there are a growing number of members of Congress who vote based on party positions or what their constituents want. Polarization is a dichotomy because parties divide the nation while uniting the nation because most people associate with one party. SPEND MORE TIME ON CAMPAIGNS: Without polarization and increased competition, members of Congress would have a harder time securing donations and campaigning. . Therefore, they would spend even more time with lobbyists to obtain donations and with voters to ensure their re-election. Currently, half of members of Congress's staff are located in home state and district offices to ensure the member of Congress is re-elected, and this number could potentially increase without polarization. MORE ORGANIZED: A very diverse Congress is able to unite due to polarization and become very organized. When a party adheres to strict ideologies, it ensures that more votes and more members of Congress “toe the party line.” Polarization, especially in the House of Representatives, creates better organization and middle of paper...the more likely it is that disagreements over permanent budget solutions will lead to temporary solutions that barely avoid a government shutdown. .” p.165 VOTING ONLY ON THE PARTY LINE: New incentives to vote along the party line → campaign support by party and PACs, leadership can also offer committee assignments/chairs as a reward for voting along the party line party Because of the immense pressure incumbents place on their candidates, they must first receive significant financial donations from PACs, interest groups, professional organizations, or large corporations. However, in order to secure future donations, members of Congress typically vote in favor of bills supporting their financial donors. Now, “members of the Democratic and Republican parties in the House and Senate vote together on approximately 90 percent of all legislation considered by both bodies. .” p.164