Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

In an increasingly polarized America, what's to come?

Anti-War Demonstrators Protest Obama's Fundraiser
Members of the Tea Party movement protest outside the Fairmont Hotel before U.S. President Barack Obama arrives for a fundraiser May 25, 2010 in San Francisco, California. Hundreds of protestors from different political groups staged the demonstration at a campaign fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA).
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Americans have become increasingly divided -- both politically and ideologically -- over the last two decades, according to a recent report from the Pew Research Center. The percent of Americans who report consistently conservative or consistently liberal positions has doubled in the past decade.

It's not just political ideas that are dividing Americans. It's where to live, who to associate with, and how much to value ethnic and religious diversity in the community, reports The Washington Post.

The Pew report shows that divisions are greatest among those who are most involved in politics, and partisan animosity has escalated over the years.

The overall share of Americans who express consistently conservative or consistently liberal opinions has doubled over the past two decades from 10% to 21%. ... Partisan animosity has increased substantially over the same period. In each party, the share with a highly negative view of the opposing party has more than doubled since 1994. Most of these intense partisans believe the opposing party's policies "are so misguided that they threaten the nation's well-being."

The Daily Circuit chats with political science junkies to ask how it is we got to such a polarized state, and where we can expect to go from here.