Elite polarization is now common in the whole of the USA and the world at large. Elite polarization majorly refers to the division that occurs in the part-in-government and other parties in a given country. It can be experienced in the government or a country as a whole when both elected and unelected leaders become internally homogeneous on issues and policies while maintaining similar divergent stand to members of rival parties. Elite polarization is likely to be experienced in a two-party country such as the USA. One of the major characteristics of elite polarization is lack of or little ideological overlap between members of rival parties ( Barber & McCarty, 2015) . Elite polarization is increasingly becoming common in the USA.
Many internal and external factors cause elite polarization. One of the major causes of elite polarization is a polarized electorate, as political leaders always strive to adhere to the political ideologies of their constituents to remain politically relevant ( Barber & McCarty, 2015) . The second major cause of elite polarization is primary elections. Voters already have predetermined mindset on the leaders who can win primaries, especially based on whether they are liberal or conservatives. Economic inequality is another external factor that is causing elite polarization in the American society ( Barber & McCarty, 2015) . Voting behaviors are always influenced by the economic status of electorates, which also apply to political leaders. Also, elite polarization is caused by factors such as changes in party rules, party pressure, and working as a team ( Barber & McCarty, 2015) . Therefore, it is not easy to eradicate elite polarization.
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Elite polarization is linked to significant consequences. One of the major consequences of elite polarization is that it reduces the productivity of legislatures. The Congress is not likely to pass many laws if they strongly subscribe to elite polarization ( Barber & McCarty, 2015) . Consequently, elite polarization can negatively affect the policy outcome. The Congress is not likely to agree on many policies, even when they are critical to the advancement of the society. Hence, elite polarization is likely to undermine governance, especially due to gridlock as well as low-quality legislation.
Party pressure is the explanation that seems reasonable to me. Even though a politician may support an idea being promoted by the opposing party, he or she may be forced to adhere to party ideology due to internal party pressure. The fear of going against party ideology or stand on an issue leads to elite polarization. Besides, economic inequality is a reasonable explanation of elite polarization. Economic inequality leads to social class, resulting in elite polarization.
At the same time, I believe that mass polarization leads to congressional polarization. Politicians are sensitive to the needs and interests of their constituents, and they are likely to pass legislation that serves the interest of their supporters. As a result, members of the Congress are likely to be divided into some issues and policies based on the needs and interest of their constituents. It is highly possible for mass polarization to cause congressional polarization.
Party interest is the strongest driver that is enhancing polarization over time. Political parties are always concerned about their interests, leading to division in the Congress and the society at large. Polarization is not likely to occur when political parties are united and subscribe to similar ideology ( Robison & Mullinix, 2016) . Parties have a significant influence on their followers, and they can easily polarize the country.
Finally, polarization is dangerous and should be avoided at all cost. The main danger of polarization is that it can lead to a lack of compromise and communication breakdown that can easily cause conflict in the society ( Robison & Mullinix, 2016) . Polarization makes people perceive others as enemies and rivals, resulting in a high level of hatred. The country should remain united instead of embracing polarization.
References
Barber, M., & McCarty, N. (2015). Causes and consequences of polarization. Political Negotiation: A Handbook , 37, 39-43.
Robison, J., & Mullinix, K. J. (2016). Elite polarization and public opinion: How polarization is communicated and its effects. Political Communication , 33 (2), 261-282.
