Polarization Archives - Close Up Foundation

Diversity, Discord & Democracy

August 24, 2022

We do not have to look far to find evidence of strong partisan hostility in the United States. People are ending long-term friendships, or even cutting off communication with family, over political discord.1 Partisan animosity—feelings of anger, fear, and distrust toward those with whom we disagree—has been steadily increasing for decades.2 Earlier this month, the […]

Constitutional Issues

Historic Second Impeachment, Part Two: Questions of Crime and Punishment

February 08, 2021

This week, the Senate commences an historic second trial of former President Donald Trump, stemming from his actions pertaining to the January 6 Capitol riot.1 Against a backdrop of heightened security, threats made against members of Congress,2 and tensions within the Republican Party,3 senators must determine President Trump’s innocence or guilt, as well as what […]

Constitutional Issues

Historic Second Impeachment, Part One: Questions of Constitutionality and Unity

February 03, 2021

Last week, the House of Representatives delivered an article of impeachment to the Senate, accusing former President Donald Trump of inciting violence against the U.S. government on the basis of his actions relating to the January 6 storming of the Capitol.1 Already the first U.S. president to be impeached twice, President Trump will also become […]

Legislative Branch

10 Things to Know About the Government Shutdown

January 15, 2019

Why did the American government shut down? As summarized by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: “Every year, Congress must pass and the president must sign budget legislation for the next fiscal year (FY), consisting of 12 appropriations bills, one for each appropriations subcommittee. When the federal government’s fiscal year began October 1, Congress had enacted […]

Legislative Branch

The New Congress and the Government Shutdown

January 08, 2019

On January 3, the 116th Congress was sworn in as directed by the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. The incoming Congress will be the most diverse in history. Here are some facts about the makeup of the new Congress: In the House of Representatives, Democrats will now be in the majority with 235 members. Republicans will have […]

Civil Rights & Individual Liberties

Don’t Like the Election Results? Change Them!

December 11, 2018

Just when you thought it was safe to declare the 2018 midterm elections over… Historically, the results of elections have always been honored, even when the fairness of a given contest is debatable. In recent history, for example, some people questioned to what extent the elections of John F. Kennedy1, Richard Nixon2, Ronald Reagan3, George W. Bush4, […]

Current Issues Blog

Tag: Polarization

Diversity, Discord & Democracy

Historic Second Impeachment, Part Two: Questions of Crime and Punishment

Historic Second Impeachment, Part One: Questions of Constitutionality and Unity

10 Things to Know About the Government Shutdown

The New Congress and the Government Shutdown

Don’t Like the Election Results? Change Them!

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