pt 4: the bipartisanship puzzle and hidden bipartisanship & conditions for success

the puzzle

• Parties more polarized than any time since Reconstruction

• Party unity scores at historic highs

• Yet bipartisan legislation continues to pass!

lee and curry: non party government

Key Finding: Contemporary majorities are NOT more effective at enacting partisan agendas despite increased party cohesion

Evidence:

• Average law receives 67-77% minority party support

• Majorities completely failed on 49% of agenda items

• “Weak” parties of 1980s-90s had better success rates

explanation

Constitutional constraints force bipartisan accommodation regardless of party strength: bicameralism, filibuster, veto, divided government.

harbridge: hidden bipartisanship

Key Finding: Bipartisan cosponsorship stable even as roll call voting more partisan.

why the gap?

• Leaders bring divisive bills to floor

• Bipartisan bills kept off agenda

• Roll call record overstates partisanship

  • Implication: Bipartisanship is “hidden” by strategic agenda control

conditions for bipartisan success

1. Divided government

2. External crises (9/11, 2008, COVID)

3. Policy windows

4. Moderate coalitions

5. Low salience issues

6. Distributive benefits

   1. Common thread: Bipartisanship succeeds when costs of conflict exceed benefits of differentiation.

must-pass legislation

appropriations, debt ceiling force negotiation—both parties face unacceptable consequences from failure