THE DYNAMICS OF POLITICAL POLARIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Political polarization has emerged as one of the most critical challenges to democratic governance in the United States. This paper examines the dynamics, institutional roots, and societal consequences of polarization through a multidisciplinary lens that integrates political science, democratic theory, and constitutional analysis. Drawing on recent studies of affective and ideological polarization, it argues that the erosion of institutional checks and balances—particularly the expansion of presidential authority and the decline of congressional compromise—has transformed polarization from a normative feature of pluralism into a destabilizing force. The analysis highlights how the growing divide between elites and the public undermines trust in institutions, erodes democratic norms, and fosters an environment conducive to political extremism. By engaging with comparative democracy research, including findings from the Varieties of Democracy Institute, the study situates U.S. polarization within a broader global pattern of democratic backsliding. It concludes that mitigating polarization requires restoring the balance of powers, strengthening deliberative mechanisms, and rebuilding a political culture of compromise as essential components of democratic resilience.