Final answer:
Americans are frustrated with Congress due to partisan rivalry leading to gridlock and shutdowns, decreasing legislative productivity as seen in the reduced number of bills passed, and negative media portrayals that highlight these issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many Americans have become frustrated with Congress for several reasons. The partisan rivalry has intensified, leading to a lack of bipartisan cooperation and an increase in political gridlock. This has often culminated in government shutdowns, which inconvenience citizens and shake confidence in federal operations. Additionally, the prevalent view is that Congress is ineffectual in its primary role of lawmaking, as evidenced by the stark drop in the number of bills passed over the years.
Media coverage also plays a role by emphasizing conflicts and controversies, which can reinforce negative perceptions. Public approval of Congress has suffered due to perceived inefficiencies and the failure to address pressing issues, such as during economic crises when swift legislative action is most needed. Moreover, the problem of gerrymandering has contributed to the election of more partisan extremists who are often unwilling to compromise, exacerbating legislative inaction.