Hoover InstitutionStanford University
Party Instability: Why American Politics Feels Broken

Published: May 2, 2019

American politics feels broken because existing voting blocs are regrouping and reconsidering which issues motivate them and which political party they support. Ongoing economic and demographic structural changes have led to control of the legislative and executive branches shifting back and forth. While this is not the first time in the history this has occurred, political parties will need to figure out a winning combination of policies that can consistently win them elections in order to stabilize American politics. 

Discussion Questions

  1. How does political instability affect economic growth?
  2. Why are other nations affected by the US political instability?

Additional Resources

  • Read “Globalization and Political Instability” by David Brady, available here. 
  • Read “What American History Can Teach Us” by David Brady, available here.
  • Read “Economics in a Time of Political Instability” by David Brady and Michael Spence. Available here.
  • Read “Flipping the House: What '94, '06, '10 Turnout Tells Us” by David Brady and Brett Parker, available here.

Cast

David Brady

David Brady

Related

Videos

Monetary Policy And The Shadow Open Market Committee Since The 1970s

Mickey Levy on his early career working with Alice Rivlin at the Congressional Budget Office and with Arthur Burns at AEI, as well as being part of the Shadow Open Markets Committee from its early days in the 1970s.

October 16, 2026

Videos

The Enduring Influence Of Thomas Sowell

From politics and economics to journalism and culture, leading voices reflect on how Thomas Sowell’s ideas shaped their thinking and continue to inspire new generations.

October 15, 2026

Articles

Why Europe Is Burning

[Subscription Required] Young Europeans are taking to the streets in Paris, Madrid, and Brussels. They say they want more investment in schools and housing. They should be protesting a system rigged for their grandparents.

October 12, 2026