Divided We Govern David R. Mayhew's ideas along with other research. Divided vs. United

5th AP History January 13, 2003 Divided We Govern David R. Mayhew The question of whether divided party control of the American national government is an advantage or disadvantage has long been debated. Many Americans agree with Woodrow Wilson's philosophy, "You cannot compound a successful government out of antagonisms." In other words, a legislative and executive branch controlled by the same political party have a stronger tie and connection and encounters fewer stumbling blocks as they move …

…control. In conclusion, determining whether divided party control is detrimental to an nation's government is not easily proven. Our government and people naturally waver and public opinion can change as quickly as the weather. There is a checks and balance system built into our government that can become antagonist by virtue of its design. The United States has continued to prosper under the two-party system and does not let the parties ultimately do the governing.