The Measurement of Political Polarization

Political polarization is increasingly evident among U.S. legislators, as daily voting records reveal a growing divide between liberal and conservative viewpoints. The data show that while both sides are moving away from each other, Republicans are shifting to the right at a quicker pace compared to Democrats. This measured polarization is largely attributed to public voting patterns, which have seen a rise in straight-ticket voting, indicating a tendency for voters to fully align with one party, further contributing to perceived divisions. However, the empirical evidence suggests that the overall political landscape might not reflect the extreme polarization often discussed in the media.