Polarization (politics)

In politics, polarization is the process by which the public opinion divides and goes to the extremes. It can also refer to when the extreme factions of a political party gain dominance in a party. In either case moderate voices often find that they have lost power. It may be one of the first steps to a civil war.

In recent times, some Americans have seen increasing polarization in the political system. Some point to Jim Jeffords resignation from the Republican party because of his feelings that the party was becoming increasingly polarized and that moderate voices were getting shut out. Republicans point to the campaign of John Kerry as evidence that the Democrats are becoming increasingly polarized.