The results of the 2020 election continue the pattern of recent decades, in which the political parties have been both narrowly divided numerically and deeply divided ideologically—the worst combination for governing in a constitutional republic with divided powers.
If the parties are divided deeply but not numerically—as they were during the New Deal era—the majority party can govern effectively. If they are divided numerically but less ideologically—as was the case from the beginning of the Eisenhower administration to the end of Jimmy Carter’s presidency—congressional leaders can forge bipartisan majorities with presidential support, and presidents can conduct foreign policies with bipartisan backing. But in the circumstances of recent decades, neither party can impose its will on the other because they are closely divided numerically and ideologically. CONT.
William A. Galston, Brookings Institution