Political Polarization and the Partisanship of Institutions

Abstract

Political polarization has become one of the most significant challenges facing modern democracies, reshaping political discourse, governance, and public trust in institutions. This article explores the nature of polarization, defining it as the deepening ideological and social divide between political factions, often accompanied by hostility and distrust. We examine its primary causes, including economic inequality, media fragmentation, identity politics, and institutional design, all of which contribute to reinforcing divisions and entrenching partisan loyalties. A central argument of this article is that polarization not only exacerbates political conflict but also transforms traditionally neutral institutions into partisan battlegrounds, undermining their credibility and effectiveness. Courts, in particular, have increasingly become the focus of political struggles, as different factions seek to shape judicial rulings to align with their ideological preferences. Ultimately, we argue that the partisanship of institutions is one of the most damaging consequences of polarization, leading to diminished trust in democratic structures and weakening their ability to function effectively.