Final answer:
Party polarization in Congress has led to greater ideological extremes, reduced bipartisan cooperation, and has had a mixed impact on legislative productivity and negotiation. While it clarifies voter choices, it also often results in legislative gridlock and policy extremes that can shift drastically after elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Party polarization is known to significantly impact Congressional policy-making, especially over the last few decades. Due to the increasing ideological divides within the US Congress, there has been a noticeable effect on legislative productivity. For instance, as both parties have taken on more extreme positions, cross-party negotiations, and bipartisan efforts have diminished, leading to higher instances of legislative gridlock. This polarization means that within Congress, moderate voices that traditionally helped bridge gaps have largely been edged out, which causes the policy-making process to become more contentious and less efficient. In scenarios where one party holds a majority, legislation can swing to more extreme positions, potentially causing significant shifts in policy direction after subsequent elections. Therefore, while polarization may clarify voter choices and ensure vibrant democracy, it can also lead to increased conflict, hinder sincere negotiation, and slow down policy productivity.