Final answer:
Divided government refers to a situation where one or more houses of the legislature are controlled by the party in opposition to the executive. It poses difficulties for passing legislation and fulfilling campaign promises. The recent pattern of divided government in the US has led to increased polarization and decreased bipartisanship, explaining party dealignment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Divided government refers to a situation where one or more houses of the legislature are controlled by the party in opposition to the executive. It can pose difficulties for both the party and the government as a whole. Divided government makes it challenging to pass legislation and fulfill campaign promises as cooperation and agreement between Congress and the President is typically required. The recent pattern of divided government in the US may explain party dealignment, as it has led to increased polarization and decreased bipartisanship, making the parties more internally divided and less likely to work together. This has resulted in distinct choices for voters and a decline in political moderates.