Do we currently have a divided government?
Jonathan Milner at Social Studies Lab as of 02/23/2024
*Currently, the Senate is composed of 48 Democrats and 49 Republicans, plus 3 Independents who caucus (vote) with the Democrats. The Democratic party currently maintains a Senate majority. Currently the House is composed of 219 Republicans and 212 Democrats, plus 4 vacant House seats. The Republican party currently maintains a House majority.
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:
In the United States, divided government describes a situation in which one party controls the White House (executive branch), while another party controls one or both houses of the United States Congress (legislative branch). Since 1973, How often has the United States had divided government?
What is the big story this chart tells about divided government?
Why do you think we have divided government so frequently?
Why does the fact that the Democrats had 61 senators in 2009 matter?
Explain whether you think divided government is generally a positive or negative thing.
The next president, regardless of their party, will likely face at least half of their presidency with divided government. How will that impact their ability to govern?
In the 19th century we were much less likely to have divided government. Why do you think Americans today are willing to have divided government so often?
James Madison wrote about checks and balances in Federalist #51. Based on his writing, what do you think Madison would say about how often we have had divided government in the past 40 or so years?
If you were a president and had to chose between having control of the House or the Senate make a claim explaining which you would choose.
When we have non-divided government (also called party Government or unity government) government spending increases, year over year, by 3.4%. When we have divided government, year over year government spending increases by 1.5%. Explain the reason for this difference.
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 Chuck Schumer (Senate Majority Leader) or Joe Biden (President) and explain how you would like them to rule during divided government.
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Get Creative
If the American government was an animal what kid of animal would it be?
Learn More
Read this story from Reason, Three Cheers for the return of Divided Government
