Final answer:
American politics faces a crisis in failing to promote the common good, influenced by political polarization and the sway of wealthy interests. While these issues pose significant challenges, active and informed citizen engagement is essential for achieving a government that truly represents the people and addresses their needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ongoing turmoil in American politics can be attributed to various factors, but at its core is a fundamental crisis: the political institutions of the United States are perceived as failing to promote the common good in alignment with constitutional promises. The concerns brought forth by both Federalists and Anti-Federalists about political instability and the woes of factions have manifested in contemporary times. The disillusionment with politicians is exacerbated by increasing political polarization, which hinders effective governance, and the influence of money in politics, which leads to a situation where wealthy interests often supersede the will of the broader populace.
As political scientist Martin Gilens discovered, there is a marked tendency for policies to align with the preferences of the wealthy. Additionally, the electoral system—including the Electoral College—and a lack of vibrant third parties further limit the representation of diverse perspectives. This creates a democratic system that, while purportedly of the people and for the people, can struggle to address their needs adequately without active citizen engagement.
Nonetheless, the solution to such a multifaceted issue is not entirely out of reach. It involves recognizing the influence citizens have in a democracy and taking collective action to ensure government integrity and public-interest policies. In spite of challenges, informed and engaged citizenry remain the key to ushering in improvements within the political system.