Elite Expectations

Our discussion of the negative ramifications of a polarized electorate can further be applied to the types of messages we, as the electorate, are sending our political leaders. If the electorate harbors misconceptions about the process of policy-making--in that it is a battle between opposing groups who can see no middle ground--these people will hold representatives more accountable for crossing party lines. While good politicians have always rightly feared the recall power of their constituents, politicians in the modern era might fear compromising with their so-called opponents--even if such compromise is for the good of the nation. An electorate who is so polarized that they do not find the opposing party legitimate will see support for that opposing party's policy as similarly illegitimate and even traitorous. As someone brought up in class, this hinders the progress our policy-makers strive to achieve.

This reminds me of an instance that occurred in the recent mid-term election. Tom Perriello reflected on his defeat, saying that voters might have been disappointed when he voted on some controversial bill, but there "has got to be something more important than getting re-elected." Although this instance might not refer specifically to polarization, we can expect similar instances to grow in frequency if this trend of polarization continues. If our representatives are constantly being recalled by the electorate, this will further hinder progress because representatives might not be in office long enough to create long-term change.