Divided government in the United States

Divided government in the United States

Divided government describes a situation in which one party controls the executive branch while another party controls one or both houses of the legislative branch. Those in favor of divided government believe that such separations encourage more policing of those in power by the opposition. Opponents argue that divided governments become lethargic, leading to many gridlocks.

About Divided government in the United States in brief

Summary Divided government in the United StatesDivided government describes a situation in which one party controls the executive branch while another party controls one or both houses of the legislative branch. Early in the 19th century, divided government was rare, but since the 1970s it has become increasingly common. Those in favor of divided government believe that such separations encourage more policing of those in power by the opposition.

Opponents, however, argue that divided governments become lethargic, leading to many gridlocks. All newly elected presidents except Zachary Taylor, Richard Nixon, and George H. W. Bush were accompanied by control of one house of Congress.