Partisan Gridlock

Definition

When two parties disagree so fundamentally that nothing gets done; democracy's way of ensuring everyone leaves equally frustrated.

Example Usage

Partisan gridlock prevented any budget compromise, so government functions were slashed.

Origin

Modern American political term, popularized in 1990s

Fun Fact

The average Congress passes fewer bills when gridlock is present, but not always better-quality ones

Source: Contemporary political discourse, media analysis

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