Constitutional Polarization: A Critical Review of the U.S. Political System

Political polarization is inherent in the constitutional design, argues Josep M. Colomer, resulting from the separation of powers between the Presidency and Congress and the two-party system. He suggests that bipartisan cooperation and domestic peace flourished only under a foreign existential threat, but once that threat vanished, unsettled issues and new social concerns have broadened the public agenda and triggered animosity and conflict. Constitutional Polarization offers insights into political science to a broad readership.

Format: Hardback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his book, Josep M. Colomer challenges the prevailing notion that political polarization is solely a result of individual character, personalities, or socioeconomic or cultural inequalities. Instead, he argues that the root cause of sustained conflict and institutional gridlock lies in the constitutional design itself. Colomer asserts that the formula of separation of powers between the presidency and Congress, coupled with a system of only two parties, fosters adversarial politics and polarization. He suggests that in the past, bipartisan cooperation and domestic peace thrived only under the threat of foreign existential threats, such as during the Cold War. However, once these threats subsided, unsettled issues and new social concerns broadened the public agenda, leading to renewed animosity and conflict.

Constitutional Polarization provides innovative and accessible insights into political science for a wide audience, devoid of technical or academic jargon. It holds significant interest for those engaged in current affairs, as well as public officials, journalists, pundits, and students of political science. The book can also serve as a valuable resource for courses in American Politics.

Colomer's book challenges the conventional wisdom by emphasizing the structural factors that contribute to political polarization. He argues that the separation of powers and the two-party system create an environment where political opponents are pitted against each other, rather than working together to address the nation's problems. This adversarial approach hinders the development of effective policy solutions and perpetuates division and conflict within society.

Furthermore, Colomer suggests that the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle have played a significant role in exacerbating political polarization. The constant exposure to polarized messages and the ability to filter information based on personal beliefs have led to a deepening of ideological divides and a loss of empathy for those with different perspectives. This has further reinforced the sense of opposition and division within political communities.

To address the challenges posed by constitutional polarization, Colomer proposes several solutions. He advocates for a more collaborative approach to governance, where political leaders are encouraged to work across party lines to find common ground and address the nation's challenges. He also suggests that the media and social media platforms should be held accountable for promoting sensationalism and polarization and should prioritize reporting on issues that promote understanding and empathy.

In conclusion, Constitutional Polarization offers a thought-provoking and timely analysis of the factors contributing to political polarization. By challenging the conventional wisdom and emphasizing the structural factors at play, Colomer provides valuable insights into the challenges facing contemporary politics. His proposed solutions offer a path forward for promoting greater collaboration, understanding, and peace in a divided society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032495248