The political system in the United States is hailed for its intense rivalry and ability to put national interests first above any special party interests. In recent times, however, the country is almost getting ripped apart by political discord and ad hominem attacks fashioned along party lines. Political parties are critical mediating institutions which ensure that the constitution is functioning appropriately. Elections in the country are fierce contests as each of the major parties strives to translate the majority will into public policies. The need to work together to promote the common good, however, unites rival political parties even when differences in opinion dominates election periods. Historically, the propensity of the political parties to work together is manifested in times of national disasters such as warfare and natural calamities. The nature of the United States Constitution also promotes parties working together to achieve checks and balances; a factor which explains the position that parties can work together after elections for purposes of advancing national interests.

History shows that the American political scene can be bipartisan for the sake of national interests. In the years during after the country was embroiled in warfare during the World War 1 and 2, various leaders among them President Eisenhower rallied the political class to rise above individual party interests for the common good. For example, the 34^th President spearheaded a bipartisan approach towards expanding the infrastructure connection in the U.S. after the war (Galambos, 2018). Also, he showed a willingness to work with his political rivals. From his commitment to working with Democrats and refusing tax-cutting measures on the upper middle class which mainly supported his Republican Party, the retired World War 2 commander rallied the American people to what is arguably the most successful post-war period in the history of the country (Galambos, 2018). A history of cooperation between the major stakeholders in the American political arena, therefore, provide a firm basis to the assertion that a bipartisan approach even in times of intense political competition is indeed achievable.

The argument that post-war issues united Americans above party interests are legitimate, but it is also valid that contemporary problems such as terrorism and the rise of China present a threat to the U.S. as communism and threat of Soviet invasion did then. Divisions over domestic policy will potentially divide people as they did in the 50s when the country disregarded hardline party stances in favor of the greater good (Galambos, 2018). Unlike the years after the World Wars, however, the modern political arena needs a leader willing to work with the opposition and preach unity. The fate of the bipartisan approach in the United States rests upon the ability of the current leadership to show a willingness to work together with their competitors. At a time when the nation seems deeply embroiled in hardline political stances, the Eisenhower model of leadership provides a practical alternative.

The current Trump administration portrays a culture of intolerance contrary to the fundamental principles of the American nation. Opposing views are critical towards the healthy functioning of any democracy in the world as is the cooperation of the various political parties towards solving issues of national importance. Today, Democrats, on one hand, dismiss the views of their Republican counterparts and vice versa (Galambos, 2018). It is hard to see why the discord exists given the increasingly intolerant political rhetoric emanating from the White House. Historical events offer an encouraging perspective, however, showing that America political parties can indeed work together for the good of the country as long as there is a strong commitment from the top leadership in the country.

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