POLITICAL POLARIZATION AND ITS IMPACT ON GOVERNANCE

Abstract

Political polarization—the growing ideological divide between opposing political factions—has emerged as a defining feature of contemporary governance. This article examines the causes, manifestations, and consequences of political polarization in democratic systems, with a particular focus on its impact on policy-making, institutional trust, and governmental efficiency. Drawing from comparative political theory and empirical data from multiple democracies, this paper explores how polarization impedes bipartisan collaboration, erodes democratic norms, and leads to policy gridlock. The study further analyzes both short-term political maneuvering and long-term institutional consequences, offering insights into mitigating strategies that enhance consensus-building and governance resilience.