For decades after 1932, Democrats were essentially the majority party in Congress. Between 1980 and 2018, however, the Senate majority has changed hands six times. The House majority shifted four times during the same period. Political scientist Frances Lee has argued the constant back-and-forth has fundamentally changed the incentives for members because every election offers a chance for a change in party control. “Intense party competition for institutional control focuses members of Congress on the quest for partisan political advantage,” writes Lee. “Members and leaders of both parties
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