Story perspectives

Emotions Boost Democratic Participation, Overcome Partisan Gridlock

5/13/2026

Summary

Researchers Connect Emotions

The introduction cites research that emotions help democracy and partisans overcome collective-action problems.
It includes a 2018 work on anger and mourning among the American Right.
It cites a 2018 book on how and why American political behavior has become nationalized.
It mentions a 2015 article on expressive partisanship, campaign involvement and partisan identity, as well as works on measuring representation and why elections may not produce responsive government.

Summary

Scholars Chart Shifts

Benjamin S. Noble showed in 2024 that presidential cues spurred nationalized congressional rhetoric from 1973 to 2016.
Gary C. Jacobson reported in 2015 that the House incumbency advantage has weakened.
Charles Hunt argued in 2022 that a home field advantage boosts reelection prospects and shapes representation.
Frances E. Lee found in 2008 that presidential leadership divided the Senate, raising partisanship through 2004.

Summary

Researchers Track Democracy

Lilliana Mason, Julie Wronski, and John V. Kane (2021) find social animus uniquely drives support for U.S. President Donald Trump.
Brandice Canes-Wrone, David W. Brady, and John F. Cogan (2002) show out-of-step voting lowers House members’ reelection odds.
David E. Broockman and Daniel M. Butler (2017) find elite position-taking shifts voter attitudes in field experiments.
Suzanne Mettler and Robert C. Lieberman (2020) list four recurring crises threatening American democracy.

History

Historical Context

On November 8 1994, the Republican Revolution flipped 54 House seats, giving Republicans their first majority since 1952 and unseating Speaker Tom Foley. Led by Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America, the shift nationalized campaigns and sparked a Southern realignment, laying groundwork for today’s studies of emotional partisanship and persistent congressional polarization.

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Researchers Connect Emotions

The introduction cites research that emotions help democracy and partisans overcome collective-action problems.
It includes a 2018 work on anger and mourning among the American Right.
It cites a 2018 book on how and why American political behavior has become nationalized.
It mentions a 2015 article on expressive partisanship, campaign involvement and partisan identity, as well as works on measuring representation and why elections may not produce responsive government.

1 / 4