How many states currently have state government trifectas?
As Of January 2023
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
State government trifectas occur when the state house, the state senate, and the office of the governor are all controlled by one political party. Another term for a trifecta is single party control.According to the map above, identify the number of U.S. states that currently have trifectas.
Based on the data from the map above, describe the current state of party leadership in your state?
Does the U.S. federal government currently have a trifecta (POTUS, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives)?
Based on the data from the map and the chart above, describe any geographical patterns in party leadership in the United States.
There are currently more state government trifectas than any time in modern American history. What explains the reason there are so many trifectas in state government? (for help, see video below*)
What is one consequence of so many state government trifectas? (for help, see video below*)
Describe the connection between gerrymandering and trifectas.
My student Sam said, “trifectas are good, it’s the only way anything can get done in a state government.” Respond to Sam with your own claim about the value of trifectas.
In Federalist No. 51, James “Shawty” Madison warned that “ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” What would Madison have thought of trifectas?
Because so many states are trifectas, many lawmakers have rushed to enact new laws on opposite sides of high-profile controversial issues such as gender and firearms. But perhaps the most divisive issue of the moment — abortion issues — highlights the advantages along with the limits of single-party control. In Nebraska and South Carolina efforts to enact new restrictions on abortion access in faltered after Republican members failed to agree on compromise policies. While there’s a clear path in 44 states for members of a single party to enact their policy preferences, it’s not always an easy path. Why is it not easy to pass extreme legislation even in states with single party control of government.
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Contact your state governor and ask them how trifectas impact how they govern. Share their response in class or online.
Get Creative
Trifecta is a silly name. It’s time for a rebrand. Make a new name for trifecta and share it in class.
Learning Extension *
Warning, parental discretion advised.
