Parties in Congress

The Two-Party System

The United States Congress predominantly operates under a two-party system consisting of the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
This system often influences party voting patterns, party loyalties, and legislative agendas.

The Democratic Party prides itself in values such as social equality, labour rights, and also environmental issues.
The Republican Party champions principles like small government, individual liberty, free market economics, and traditional values.
These ideological differences often drive the legislative proceedings and policy debates in both House of Representatives and the Senate.

Each party in both legislative houses elects its own leaders. The most notable leadership positions being the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader.
These leaders play a vital role in shaping legislative schedules, controlling debates, and directing the policy agenda of their respective parties.

Political parties have a significant role in Congress, often steering policy initiatives and controlling voting behaviour.
Party members typically vote alongside their party lines, contributing to highly partisan politics.

Both parties have numerous Committees and Subcommittees in Congress, focusing on a variety of issue areas as well as constituents’ interests.
These committees develop, strategise, and steer policy initiatives for their respective parties.

Bipartisanship refers to cooperation or agreement between the two major parties.
This is rare in modern U.S politics due to deep ideological divisions, but when it occurs, it can lead to significant policy breakthroughs.

Critics often argue that the two-party system stifles healthy competition, undermining other political opinions and parties.
The noticeable lack of bipartisanship in contemporary US politics is a contentious issue. This often results in stalemates, legislative gridlocks, and in some instances, government shutdowns.
Additionally, increased partisan polarisation in Congress, whereby members are more strictly adhering to party lines and ideologies, is a significant cause for concern.