What went wrong?

Brian Sankarsingh's thoughts on what's happening South of the Canadian border

Photo by Adam Birkett on Unsplash

American politics today is marked by deep divisions, dysfunction, and a growing sense of public disillusionment. Once considered the brightest beacon of democracy, the U.S. political system now struggles with gridlock, misinformation, and a loss of faith in institutions. But what went wrong? How did a system designed for compromise and representation turn into one of polarization and stagnation? Several key factors contributed to this decline.

One of the most glaring issues in modern U.S. politics is the increasing divide between Democrats and Republicans. While political disagreements are natural in a democracy, today’s polarization has reached a level where cooperation seems impossible. Partisanship has overtaken problem-solving, leading to legislative stalemates, government shutdowns, and a toxic political climate. Social media and cable news networks, driven by profit motives, have fueled this division, amplifying extreme voices while marginalizing moderates. The adoption of “if it bleeds, it leads” has taken over social media. Want more views? Want to go viral? Be controversial! Be divisive.!

Then there is the influence of money. The influence of money in U.S. politics has eroded trust in the democratic process. The 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC allowed corporations and wealthy individuals to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns. This has led to a system where those with the deepest pockets have the loudest voices, often at the expense of the average voter. As a result, policies frequently cater to special interests rather than the needs of ordinary Americans. As a result, we saw Elon Musk donate about $300M to Donald Trump’s campaign and now he is almost considered the de facto President.

Another major flaw in the system is the manipulation of electoral districts to favor one party over another, a practice known as gerrymandering. When politicians can effectively choose their voters rather than the other way around, it undermines the principle of fair representation. This has led to a situation where many elections are decided long before voters even cast their ballots, reducing accountability and increasing partisan extremism.

We also cannot ignore that public faith in government institutions has steadily declined. Scandals, corruption, and a lack of transparency have left many Americans feeling alienated from their leaders. Misinformation and conspiracy theories spread easily, further undermining trust in elections, the judicial system, and even basic democratic norms. When citizens lose faith in democracy, they become more susceptible to authoritarianism and demagoguery. COVID-19 was a classic example of this breakdown. Then there was talk about the effectiveness of the measles vaccine. With the first measles death in the US since 2015 we finally see RFK Jr. urging people to get the vaccine - after dismissing the efficacy of vaccines even after seeing the science behind them.

Unfortunately, all of this has also led to a severe decline in bipartisanship overall. Historically, the U.S. had leaders who, despite ideological differences, worked together to solve problems. Today, compromise is seen as weakness rather than a necessary function of governance. This gridlock prevents meaningful legislation on critical issues like healthcare, climate change, and income inequality. Without a willingness to reach across the aisle, the government becomes useless and ineffective.

The media landscape has also changed dramatically. The rise of social media and partisan news outlets exacerbate division. Algorithms promote sensationalism, reinforcing echo chambers where people only see information that confirms their biases. This has led to widespread misinformation, making it difficult to have fact-based discussions and eroding the foundation of a well-informed electorate. Having political figures then use this misinformation to continue to sow division only worsens the situation. People believe what they want to believe and hearing a political figure spew rhetoric that aligns with their belief only serves to “fire them up!” This is “divide and conquer” on a grand scale.

Finally, religion, which has long played a role in American politics, has, in recent years, influenced it to the point of contention. The blending of religious beliefs with policy-making has led to conflicts over issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and education. While religious freedom is a fundamental American value, the increasing overlap of faith and governance raises concerns about the separation of church and state. This has further deepened political divisions and complicated efforts to create inclusive policies for a diverse population.

The current political atmosphere, marked by deep partisanship and distrust in institutions, creates an environment ripe for a strongman leader to exploit. When democracy is perceived as ineffective and polarization is at an all-time high, citizens may become more willing to accept authoritarian tendencies in exchange for decisive action. A leader who promises to bypass gridlock, attack perceived enemies, and consolidate power can erode democratic norms under the guise of restoring order. This pattern has been seen in other democracies that have slipped into authoritarianism. Because of a lack of vigilance and societal balance, the U.S. now finds itself on a similar path. One where democratic backsliding occurs not through military coups but through the gradual erosion of checks and balances, press freedoms, and institutional independence.

Let us be clear. The problems in U.S. politics did not emerge overnight, nor will they be solved quickly. However, acknowledging these issues is the first step toward addressing them. If Americans demand accountability, fairness, and cooperation from their leaders, the political system can still be repaired. If they demand a separation of church and state the country could still go on. If they vote for policies rather than personalities, then their economy could survive. The future of their democracy depends on it.

Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a two-time award-winning poet and author. He is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.

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