Divided Government

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

Governance divided between the parties, as when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress. In 2020, Americans voted against divided government, giving Democrats control of the executive branch, and in control of the House and Senate. In the 2022 midterm elections, the US returned to divided government, with Democratic loss of the House majority.

Example

 
High Five AP Government & Politics Exam Review Updated for 2025
Quick View
High Five AP Government & Politics Exam Review Updated for 2025
$18.00
BUY NOW
 

Questions

  1. What is divided government?

  2. Is the US currently controlled by a divided government?

  3. Use divided government in a sentence that isn’t horrible:

  4. When was the last time we did not have divided government?

  5. What is the term for a government that is not divided?

  6. Americans very often vote for divided government. Why do you think that is?

  7. What is one benefit of having divided government?

  8. Find an image or emoji that does justice to the sublime beauty of divided government:

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw divided government. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

Student AP Government Exam Prep Portal
Free

Get AP exam-ready with diagnostic tests, online review games, test review sheets, practice quizzes, full-length practice exam, and self-guided writing workshops. We'll make studying a breeze.

✓ Fun Review Games!
✓ Practice online tests with instant scoring + explanations
✓ Photographs of my beloved pet Beagle Roger!

GoPo Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
Previous

Politico
Next

Political Culture