Mackenzie S. answered • 03/07/21
3rd year law student with government and political experience
I would argue that the realist perspective best explains the functioning of the American political system. Realism is defined as a country that is focused broadly in its own national interests, regardless of possible consequences or costs. This is usually a theory applied to international relations, but I think it also explains national politics in the United States as we have become extremely polarized. This is because our congressional representatives, who reflect the desires of our population, want what they want and do not care about what their neighbor down the street wants. There is a clear lack of negotiation and bipartisan legislation in this country, further underscoring the idea that American politics is an example of realism, personal interests, and a lack of concern for the interests of others. An example could be how the Senate voted 50-49, along party lines, in favor of the stimulus bill. another example could be the enormous lack of bipartisan legislation in the past 12 years or so.
