Congressional Gridlock Flaws

In the American political system, Congress plays a vital role. Whether it concerns legislation, finances and taxes, or investigation, Congress is a necessary entity for politics. With rules and regulations, Congress can effectively pass legislation that betters the United States. However, sometimes, Congress fails to answer and provide remedy to pressing issues that the United States face, which results in the failure of Congress enacting legislation regarding the most debatable and critical issues. Usually, congressional gridlock occurs when different parties are dominant in the House of Representatives and Senate, and the Houses do not come to conclusions on the issues.
Principally, there are many factors that contribute to Congressional gridlock. For instance, the

polarization among Congressmen due to the increasing differences of the political parties. With parties having opposed opinions, there are many issues that result in gridlock (marriage equality, taxes, abortion, healthcare, global climate change, and immigration). Secondly, every ten years, re- appropriation of congressional districts is completed by the elected officials. This results in a highly competitive process because each party is aiming to have the dominant, majority party: gerrymandering. Gerrymandering, the process of drawing the Congressional and legislative lines to have an advantage over the other political party, results in one party controlling the district. The primary election, in that district, determines the candidate that will represent that district. Since primary elections have a low voter turnout rate, the voters have a profound influence upon the results of the election, which results in candidates having to please to voters. In the end, the most obstinate and adamant members dominated the parties (Ting, par 4-8). Thirdly, the bicameral arrangement due to the Constitution, House of Representatives and Senate, produces gridlock. The two chambers can disagree on issues and policies.
However, there are measures that the United States can take to overcome Congressional gridlock. First, the process of re- appropriation should not be in the hands of the elected officials; there should be a hired individuals to complete the task. Second, substituting the primary election to a blanket primary which will allow candidates to run regardless of their political affiliation. This ensures that candidates have to appeal to all voters, not just the majority in one political party. Also,
An area that has faced Congressional gridlock, recently, is gun laws.

With Democrats vying for stricter gun laws, Republicans are apprehensive because it restricts the Second Amendment right. After a gunman opened fire on civilians at a concert in Las Vegas, Democrats in Congress insisted Republicans to take action against gun laws. The result was a stalemate, this “lack of action” prevents legislation from passing to attack the United States’ most pressing topics. Moreover, without proper legislation, mass murderers are rapidly increasing and are presenting to be a greater threat. Also, another issue is budget resolutions, which is affecting tax reform. Under President Trump’s administration, Congress is in a gridlock regarding the budget resolutions. With Conservatives wanting to cut federal welfare programs (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and Democrats on the opposition, this stalemate is hindering tax reform legislation. Lastly, climate change and energy efficiency continue to gridlock Congress. Most Republicans deny scientist’s claims on climate change; however, there is no resolution to this pressing issue for the United States and

world.

As shown in the data above, Congressional gridlock is the principal reason Americans disapprove of Congress’ job performance. However, as constantly promoted and advertised in the mass media, many citizens think people disapprove of Congress’ job performance because of specific policies enacted. Even though, there is constant debate and animosity on which legislation are enacted, that is not the chief reason why Americans are not in favor of Congress’ job performance.
In conclusion, Congressional gridlock occurs when Congress is in a stalemate, unproductive, and legislation cannot be passed. Gridlock mostly occurs because Congress is attempting to legislation on the most controversial and contrasting issues (gun control, healthcare, immigration, climate change, and tax reforms), and the Houses are controlled by two different parties. A few causes of Congressional gridlock are party polarization, bicameral arrangement, and re-apportionment. However, there are precautions that can lessen the threat of Congressional gridlock.