Final answer:
The 1990s saw an increasing divide between Republicans and Democrats due to the disagreement over the federal budget, the results of the 1994 midterm elections, and the polarization in Congress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The divide between Republicans and Democrats deepened in the 1990s due to several key situations. One major issue was the budget disagreement, where both parties sparred over fiscal policies. Republicans under Newt Gingrich pursued significant tax reductions for the wealthy and cuts to social programs, causing outrage among many Democrats who saw these policies as harmful to children and seniors. This divide was also evident in the political landscape when the Republicans executed a successful strategy in the midterm elections of 1994 and took control of Congress, making Newt Gingrich the House Speaker. The result was the displacement of many Southern and Midwestern Democrats who were more moderate and supportive of President Clinton's policies.
Furthermore, the absence of moderates within both parties led to increased polarization in Congress, with each side becoming more entrenched in their ideologies. This polarization in Congress meant that bipartisan cooperation became rare, with the parties often engaging in political stalemates instead of working towards compromises. This polarization was especially evident during budget negotiations between President Clinton and the Republican Congress, leading to a federal government shutdown in 1995 and 1996. Public discontent largely blamed the Republicans for these shutdowns, thus affecting the party's public image and political calculations.