Not Another Politics Podcast What Are The Forces Shaping Polarization in Congress?
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Jan 16, 2025 Political scientist Daniel Moskowitz from the University of Chicago joins the discussion, bringing his expertise on congressional polarization. They dive into surprising new data that challenges the common narrative of ever-increasing extremism in politics. Moskowitz reveals how factors like voting dynamics, candidate replacement, and the impact of social media shape today’s divided Congress. They also explore the complexities of ideological shifts and the pressures faced by moderates, painting a vivid picture of the modern political landscape.
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Roll Call Votes and Polarization
- Roll call votes don't perfectly capture polarization because the congressional agenda changes.
- Partisan conflict is hard to distinguish from ideological disagreement.
Agenda Control and Polarization
- Congressional leaders might restrict the agenda to divisive issues, creating the appearance of greater polarization.
- This control over the agenda could inflate polarization estimates based on roll call votes.
Candidate Surveys and NPAT
- Candidate surveys offer a consistent agenda, unlike roll call votes.
- The National Political Awareness Test (NPAT) tracks candidate positions on various issues over time.