Dartblog

It is already clear that the Democrats are going to retain control of the House of Representatives. It is likely that Democrats with also take the lead in the Senate, perhaps with nearly 60 seats, the number required to end a filibuster, a technique that can stall controversial legislation (or appointments).

When I began thinking about the concept of divided government in reference to this election I did a little. The most concise, on point article I have been able to find is from Cato written in 2003, perhaps implicitly supporting a Democratic revival in Congress at the time or the election of John Kerry. Nevertheless, the historical analysis of divided governments make it clear that this generally coincides with lower spending growth, major reforms that last longer, and a decreased likelihood for new wars.

It makes sense. When government is divided, things may move a little more slowly but the legislation that will result in the end is less partisan and more moderate, less hasty and more thoughtful. See government under President Bill Clinton and a Republican Congress after 1994, when the economy was roaring and all sorts of moderate reforms passed. Ditto for Republican Ronald Reagan’s presidency when the Democrats controlled Congress.