How Bipartisanship Has Worked in the Past: Case Studies

Throughout American history, bipartisanship has played a crucial role in driving meaningful progress. While political differences tend to dominate headlines, some of the most impactful policies have emerged when leaders from both parties worked together to find common ground. Though compromise is necessary, bipartisan cooperation has led to landmark legislation that has strengthened democracy, expanded economic opportunity, and improved the lives of millions of Americans.

At No Labels, we believe that problem-solving should come before party loyalty. The following case studies highlight major moments when bipartisanship overcame division to deliver real results. These successes prove that when leaders put the country first, real progress happens.

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Here are 10 examples of major bipartisan successes in U.S. history:

  1. The Great Compromise (1787): The dilemma of representation was a big one as the young United States worked to create a stronger government. Small states wanted the same number of representatives so they wouldn’t be ignored,  but big states, which had more people, wanted to be represented based on population. The Great Compromise solved this: One part of Congress, the House of Representatives, would be based on population, while the other part, the Senate, would give each state an equal say.
  2. Lincoln’s Team of Rivals (1860): In a deeply divided nation, Abraham Lincoln unexpectedly won the Republican nomination over three powerful rivals. Instead of sidelining them, he brought them into his government and he even appointed a Democrat, Edwin Stanton, as Secretary of War. Lincoln believed the country needed the best minds and strongest leaders, even if they disagreed with him. His leadership proved that working together, despite differences, can strengthen a nation in challenging times.
  3. Social Security Act (1935): The Social Security Act of 1935 was a significant bipartisan achievement during the Great Depression. This landmark legislation, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, established a system of benefits that assisted a wide range of American workers – those of old age, victims of industrial accidents, and the unemployed, plus aid for dependent mothers and children, the blind, and the physically handicapped.
  4. Medicare and Medicaid Act (1965): Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this landmark legislation established Medicare, a health insurance program for the elderly. It provided insurance to Americans age 65 and older regardless of income or preexisting conditions. It remains one of the most widely supported programs in U.S. history and continues to receive bipartisan backing. Over time, it has evolved to include Medicare Advantage, prescription drug coverage, and preventative services, ensuring relevance in modern healthcare.
  5. Federal Election Campaign Act (1971): Following concerns about financial transparency in political campaigns, both Republicans and Democrats collaborated to reform campaign finance laws. This bipartisan effort led to the enactment of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), aiming to increase transparency and regulate financing in federal elections. While at first difficult to enforce, an amendment was made which led to the creation of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in 1975.
  6. Tax Reform Act (1986): Despite a divided government, Republican President Ronald Reagan worked with a Democratic House and Republican Senate to pass comprehensive tax reform, simplifying the system and eliminating loopholes. This teamwork showed how leaders can come together with a common goal to improve the system.
  7. Welfare Reform (1996): In a bitterly divided government, Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed into law sweeping changes to the country’s welfare system, balancing work requirements with increased spending on education and child care. They created a new program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which helped families in need but required parents to work.
  8. Criminal Justice Reform (2018): The First Step Act, which reduced sentences for certain drug crimes, was passed with bipartisan support during the Trump administration. It was a rare bipartisan effort on criminal justice, making an impact on prison reform with a more fair federal sentencing system.
  9. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021): This act invested over $1 trillion in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transit, broadband, and clean energy. It was one of the most significant bipartisan legislative achievements in recent history, marking the largest federal public works investment since the creation of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s.
  10. CHIPS and Science Act (2022): Critical for both national security and economic competitiveness, this legislation boosted American semiconductor manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and strengthening the U.S. tech industry. It was passed with bipartisan support, laying the foundation for industries of the future.

Bipartisanship isn’t just about the past – it’s a roadmap for the future. The achievements outlined above outline times when leaders work together, tackle the nation’s biggest challenges and create lasting change. From civil rights to economic stability and investing in critical infrastructure and innovation, these milestones serve as reminders that progress is possible when we bridge divides rather than widen them.

We are building a movement to revive this spirit of cooperation and action. Now is the time to get involved. Support us with a donation, get involved with volunteer efforts, or simply stay informed by signing up for emails as we work together to solve problems for everyday Americans.