Political polarization, or the violence of faction James Madison warned of in Federalist 10, is as great a threat to democracy today as it was in 1787, dividing voters and their representatives into diametrically opposed camps that are unwilling to compromise or yield power to their opponents. Whether polarization is itself the core issue or merely a symptom, its current severity demands study and swift response if we hope to maintain a functioning democracy. The January 6th insurrection on Capitol Hill over one year ago, and the United States ongoing struggle to respond effectively to threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, warn us of the dangers posed by unchecked polarization.
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- United States of America
