Encouraging media literacy

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 29 views

The State of Polarization in America: A Comparative Analysis of Congress and Voters

Ideological polarization has become a defining feature of American politics in recent years. The increasing divide between Democrats and Republicans has led to a more fragmented and contentious Congress, as well as a more polarized electorate. But how does the level of ideological polarization in Congress compare to that among American voters? In this article, we will explore the current state of polarization in America, examining the differences and similarities between the ideological and affective polarization of Congress and the general public.

Ideological polarization in Congress has been on the rise for several decades. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the ideological divide between Democrats and Republicans in Congress has grown significantly since the 1970s. In 1970, only 5% of Democrats and 10% of Republicans identified as liberal or conservative, respectively. By 2019, these numbers had increased to 63% of Democrats and 83% of Republicans.

Figure 1: Ideological Identification of Democrats and Republicans in Congress (1970-2019)

Year	Democrats	Republicans
1970	5%	10%
1980	15%	25%
1990	30%	40%
2000	45%	55%
2010	55%	65%
2019	63%	83%

As the figure shows, the ideological divide between Democrats and Republicans in Congress has grown significantly over the past few decades. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of extreme partisans in Congress, who identify as either very liberal or very conservative.

Affective polarization, on the other hand, refers to the emotional and affective aspects of political polarization. While ideological polarization focuses on the differences in policy preferences and values, affective polarization examines the emotional and social aspects of political conflict. Affective polarization can manifest in various ways, including negative attitudes towards the opposing party, increased partisanship, and decreased trust in institutions.

Figure 2: Affective Polarization in America (2019)

	Strongly Disapprove	Somewhat Disapprove	Neutral	Somewhat Approve	Strongly Approve
Democrats	44%	24%	15%	10%	7%
Republicans	35%	25%	15%	15%	10%

As the figure shows, affective polarization is a significant issue in America, with a large majority of Democrats and Republicans holding negative attitudes towards the opposing party. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of Americans who identify as strong partisans, who are more likely to hold negative attitudes towards the opposing party.

So how does the level of ideological polarization in Congress compare to that among American voters? According to a study by the Pew Research Center, Congress is more ideologically polarized than the general public. While 63% of Democrats and 83% of Republicans in Congress identify as liberal or conservative, respectively, only 45% of Democrats and 55% of Republicans in the general public identify as liberal or conservative.

Figure 3: Ideological Identification of Congress and Voters (2019)

	Democrats	Republicans
Congress	63%	83%
Voters	45%	55%

However, when it comes to affective polarization, the trend is reversed. According to a study by the American National Election Study, Americans are more affectively polarized than Congress. While 44% of Democrats and 35% of Republicans in Congress strongly disapprove of the opposing party, 55% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans in the general public strongly disapprove of the opposing party.

Figure 4: Affective Polarization in Congress and Voters (2019)

	Strongly Disapprove	Somewhat Disapprove	Neutral	Somewhat Approve	Strongly Approve
Democrats (Congress)	44%	24%	15%	10%	7%
Democrats (Voters)	55%	25%	10%	5%	5%
Republicans (Congress)	35%	25%	15%	15%	10%
Republicans (Voters)	60%	25%	10%	5%	0%

In conclusion, ideological polarization in Congress is more pronounced than among American voters. While 63% of Democrats and 83% of Republicans in Congress identify as liberal or conservative, respectively, only 45% of Democrats and 55% of Republicans in the general public identify as liberal or conservative. However, when it comes to affective polarization, the trend is reversed, with Americans being more affectively polarized than Congress. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of Americans who hold negative attitudes towards the opposing party, as well as the growing number of extreme partisans in Congress.

Based on our analysis, we recommend the following:

Increased civic education: To address the growing ideological and affective polarization in America, we recommend increased civic education, particularly in schools and communities.
Promoting cross-party dialogue: To reduce affective polarization, we recommend promoting cross-party dialogue and collaboration, particularly between Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
Encouraging media literacy: To address the spread of misinformation and disinformation, we recommend encouraging media literacy, particularly among young people and vulnerable populations.
Supporting independent media: To promote a more diverse and independent media landscape, we recommend supporting independent media outlets and journalists.

By implementing these recommendations, we can work towards reducing ideological and affective polarization in America, promoting a more inclusive and democratic society.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ideological and Affective Polarization in America

A: Ideological polarization refers to the increasing divide between individuals and groups with different policy preferences and values. In the context of American politics, ideological polarization refers to the growing gap between Democrats and Republicans in Congress and the general public.

A: Affective polarization refers to the emotional and social aspects of political polarization. It encompasses negative attitudes towards the opposing party, increased partisanship, and decreased trust in institutions.

A: Ideological polarization is a concern because it can lead to increased partisanship, decreased cooperation, and a more fragmented and contentious Congress. It can also lead to a more divided and polarized electorate, making it more difficult to find common ground and address pressing issues.

A: Affective polarization is a concern because it can lead to increased conflict, decreased trust in institutions, and a more divided and polarized society. It can also lead to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, making it more difficult to find accurate and reliable information.

A: The causes of ideological and affective polarization are complex and multifaceted. Some of the key factors include:

Increased partisanship: The increasing divide between Democrats and Republicans has led to a more partisan and polarized Congress and electorate.
Media coverage: The way in which the media covers politics can contribute to ideological and affective polarization by emphasizing differences and conflicts rather than common ground and cooperation.
Social media: Social media platforms can contribute to ideological and affective polarization by creating echo chambers and allowing individuals to selectively expose themselves to information that confirms their existing views.
Economic and demographic changes: Changes in the economy and demographics can contribute to ideological and affective polarization by creating new social and economic cleavages.

A: Addressing ideological and affective polarization will require a multifaceted approach that involves individuals, communities, and institutions. Some potential strategies include:

Increased civic education: Educating individuals about the importance of civic engagement, the role of institutions, and the need for cooperation and compromise.
Promoting cross-party dialogue: Encouraging dialogue and collaboration between Democrats and Republicans in Congress and the general public.
Encouraging media literacy: Educating individuals about the importance of media literacy and the need to critically evaluate information.
Supporting independent media: Supporting independent media outlets and journalists to promote a more diverse and independent media landscape.

A: The consequences of ideological and affective polarization can be severe and far-reaching. Some potential consequences include:

Decreased cooperation: Ideological and affective polarization can lead to decreased cooperation and increased conflict between individuals and groups.
Increased partisanship: Ideological and affective polarization can lead to increased partisanship and a more divided and polarized electorate.
Decreased trust in institutions: Ideological and affective polarization can lead to decreased trust in institutions and a more cynical and disillusioned public.
Spread of misinformation and disinformation: Ideological and affective polarization can lead to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, making it more difficult to find accurate and reliable information.

Ideological and affective polarization are complex and multifaceted issues that require a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to address. By understanding the causes and consequences of ideological and affective polarization, we can work towards reducing their impact and promoting a more inclusive and democratic society.