Final answer:
The two political parties became even more divided after Barack Obama became president, which resulted in political gridlock that hindered legislative progress despite some significant accomplishments like the TARP program and Obamacare.
Step-by-step explanation:
After Barack Obama became president, American politics saw an era of heightened partisan division and political gridlock. The Republicans retained control of the House of Representatives, and the razor-thin Democratic majority in the Senate made it difficult to secure major legislative victories.
Both parties became more ideologically polarized, with moderate members being marginalized and increasing unwillingness to compromise.
Despite this, some significant accomplishments like the TARP program and Obamacare were enacted. The challenges of governing with a divided Congress were profound, necessitating negotiation and often resulting in a standstill on various issues.