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You're right that defections haven't totally gone away, but I think the current Congress actually emphasizes how rare they are now. The only reason things aren
by rainsford 2y ago
You're right that defections haven't totally gone away, but I think the current Congress actually emphasizes how rare they are now. The only reason things aren't passing is because the house is so close that a tiny percentage of Republicans defecting can sink a bill. But the vast majority of Republicans follow the party line and basically none of the Democrats are willing to cross over either. In a system with realistic local representation you'd expect a lot more crossover in both directions.
- trollbridge 2y agoThis was the norm for most of the 20th century. Major legislation passed with votes from both parties - often over ⅔ and immune to a Presidential veto. My reaction to this is to focus more on things locally.
- amanaplanacanal 2y agoI'm sure part of the issue is the move towards giant omnibus bills rather than bills addressing individual issues. They tend to emphasize the ideological differences between the parties.