What Is Bipartisan Governance? (Explainer)

America’s Founding Fathers may not have agreed on everything, but they shared a fundamental belief that the country would only thrive if its leaders worked together for the common good. Our first President, George Washington, in his 1796 Farewell Address, warned against the dangers of political parties and factionalism, saying:

“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism … Sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.”

Despite Washington’s warning, political parties became entrenched in American politics. Today it often seems as if the differences between Democats and Republicans are irreconcilable. They are not – and bipartisan governance offers the best path forward to solving the nation’s most pressing challenges. 

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Bipartisan governance is about cooperation—leaders from different political parties working together to craft and pass policies that serve the broader interests of the public rather than just their respective party bases—it’s about putting reason and the public good over hate and division.

What is Bipartisan Governance?

Bipartisanship refers to a governing approach that requires the following tenants:

  • Collaboration: Leaders from different political parties engage in open dialogue, share ideas, and work together to develop policies that address national concerns.
  • Compromise: Policymakers find middle ground by making concessions on certain issues to achieve a balanced and effective solution that serves the broader public interest.
  • Cooperation: Both sides commit to setting aside partisan differences to prioritize the common good, ensuring that governance remains functional and solutions-oriented rather than gridlocked by political divisions.

This approach contrasts partisan politics, where decisions are often driven by strict party allegiance rather than pragmatic problem solving. True bipartisanship requires negotiation, understanding, and a willingness to put country before party.

Why Does Bipartisanship Matter?

When governance is purely partisan, it often results in two poor outcomes. 1) Legislative gridlock in which Congress is unable to pass legislation or 2) Legislation passing with the votes of only one party, which often compels the opposing party to try to repeal it as soon as they are back in power. Bipartisan solutions, however, tend to be more durable, as they are built on consensus rather than fleeting party majorities. Laws passed with bipartisan support are less likely to be repealed or overturned when political power shifts, creating stability and continuity for the country. They build public trust, as collaborative efforts across party lines can enhance public confidence in governmental institutions, and comprehensive solutions as bipartisan approaches often lead to well-rounded policies that consider diverse perspectives, addressing the needs of a broader constituency.

Examples of Bipartisan Governance

Throughout history, bipartisan efforts have led to significant legislative achievements, such as: 

  • The Social Security Act of 1935: Established the foundation of America’s social safety net during the Great Depression. The act was championed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, and received critical support from Republican Senator Arthur Vandenberg and Representative John Taber, who helped negotiate provisions to gain bipartisan backing.
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: This landmark civil rights legislation, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, was spearheaded by Democratic Senator Tom Harkin and Republican Senator Bob Dole, who was himself a disabled World War II veteran. It was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, a Republican, with broad bipartisan support.
  • The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001: A major education reform law designed to improve student performance and accountability, the legislation was co-authored by Republican Senator Judd Gregg and Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy. It was signed into law by Republican President George W. Bush and passed with overwhelming support from both parties, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening public education.

Looking for more? We’ve compiled a list of additional case studies of bipartisanship both in the United States and abroad.

Challenges to Bipartisan Governance

Despite its benefits, bipartisan governance faces significant hurdles. Increasing political polarization has made it more difficult for lawmakers to work across party lines without facing backlash from their party’s base.  Media outlets and social platforms often amplify ideological divisions, making compromise seem closer to weakness than leadership. Furthermore, short-term political incentives, such as low-turnout primary elections that favor extreme candidates, discourage politicians from seeking middle-ground solutions as politicians are too scared of alienating their base if they engage too openly in bipartisan efforts.

How to Promote Bipartisanship

While the challenges to bipartisan governance are real, there are steps that can be taken to encourage it:

  • Electoral Reforms: Policies such as open primaries can incentivize candidates to appeal to a broader voter base rather than catering to extreme factions.
  • Cross-Party Dialogue: Encouraging lawmakers to build relationships across party lines in Congress and state legislatures can foster mutual understanding and trust.
  • Civic Engagement: Citizens play a crucial role in fostering bipartisanship—when voters demand bipartisan solutions and hold leaders accountable for excessive partisanship, it creates political incentives for compromise.

Conclusion

Bipartisanship isn’t just a lofty ideal—it’s part of America’s foundation. The Founding Fathers may not have foreseen the full extent of today’s partisan divides, but they understood the dangers of putting party above country. Their warnings remain relevant, and a reminder that national unity and cooperation are essential for democracy to function effectively.

Bipartisan governance doesn’t require elected officials to abandon their principles. It does however require them to be pragmatic and to recognize that in politics, as in life, one side rarely gets everything it wants. While the challenges of bipartisanship are significant, the benefits—lasting policy, reduced polarization, and greater government effectiveness—make it a worthy pursuit. As the country faces pressing challenges, the path forward isn’t more division—it’s more collaboration. Bipartisan governance ensures that policies are not just political victories but lasting solutions. If leaders and citizens alike prioritize working together, the country can honor its founding principles and build a future that serves all Americans.

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