Is Congress Broken? The Virtues and Defects of Partisanship and Gridlock

Gary J. Schmitt, John J. Pitney Jr.,  William F. Connelly Jr.

Congress for many years has ranked low in public esteem — joining journalists, bankers, and union leaders at the bottom of polls. And in recent years there has been good reason for the public disregard, with the rise of hyper-partisanship and Congress’ increasing inability to carry out its required duties, such as passing spending bills on time and conducting responsible oversight of the executive branch.

Congress seems so dysfunctional that many observers have all but thrown up their hands in despair, suggesting that an apparently broken US political system might need to be replaced.

Now, some of the country’s foremost experts on Congress are reminding us that tough hyper-partisan conflict always has been a hallmark of the constitutional system. Going back to the nation’s early decades, Congress has experienced periods of division and turmoil. But even in those periods, Congress has been able to engage in serious deliberation, prevent ill-considered proposals from becoming law — and, over time, help develop a deeper, more lasting national consensus......To Read More.....