Do Six Political Factions Cause Congressional Gridlock?

A recent congressional voting record report of our 535 delegates in D.C., published by the Institute of Legislative Analysis, found that significant voting behavior shifts have occurred within both major political parties over the past three years.

According to tracking from YouGov and Marquette Law School, roughly 28% to 35% of self-identified Republicans explicitly state they are not Trump- MAGA fans. Meanwhile, data published by the Pew Research Center shows that 67% of Democrats are frustrated with their political party.

Confusion reigns in Congress and among 342 million Americans.

It should come as no surprise that the political landscape features distinct wings within both major parties. While the phrase “Do Nothing Congress” originated during Harry Truman’s 1948 presidential campaign, research shows it re-emerged during the Trump 1.0 administration (2017) and remains today.

Political gridlock is real, and it may be partly because we have six distinct political factions within the two parties fighting each other on Capitol Hill.

Three factions of the Republican Party

MAGA Republicans (Right-Wing Populists)

The core philosophy of this GOP faction heavily prioritizes loyalty to President Trump, Stephen Miller, and an “America First” agenda. Their key policies include aggressive use of tariffs, mass deportations, tight immigration restrictions, strict border isolationism, skepticism toward NATO, the United Nations, and foreign-aid relief, exercising domestic and foreign military might, and pushing back on diversity, equity, inclusion, racial awareness, sexism, and constitutional rights. Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA), Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA), and Rep. Jim Jordan (OH) are right-wing populists.

Traditional Republicans (The Establishment/Pre-2016 Right)

The traditional GOP’s core philosophy is constitutional conservatism, norms, and institutional stability. Their key policies include free-market capitalism, strong opposition to broad tariffs, low corporate and personal income taxes, foreign policy that favors alliances with other countries, and cutting federal spending and the federal debt. Traditional GOP includes Sen. Mitch McConnell (KY), Sen. Susan Collins (ME), Sen. John Thune (SD), Rep. Tom Cole (OK), and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA).

Right-Wing Republicans (Social and Religious Conservatives)

The core philosophy of this group is viewing politics primarily through a cultural, moral, and faith-based lens. Their key policies are grounded in restriction of abortion access, opposition to LGBTQ+, strong advocacy for school choice, integrating religious expression into public life, and robust defense of religious liberty exemptions for businesses and institutions. Rep. Mike Johnson (LA), Sen. Ted Cruz (TX), Sen Josh Hawley (MO), and Sen. Rick Scott (FL) are examples of the cultural conservative wing.

Three factions of the Democratic Party

Traditional Democrats (The Moderate/Center-Left Establishment)

The core philosophy of this faction is leveraging existing government systems to achieve steady social and economic progress. Their key policies focus on regulated capitalism, relying on targeted tax credits and public-private partnerships, strong support for NATO and United Nations, global diplomacy with 181 other countries, and balancing border security with paths to legal status. Politicians like Rep. Amy Klobuchar (MN), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY), Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY), Sen. Chris Coons (DE) and Sen. Mark Kelly (AZ) best represent this entity.

Progressive Democrats

The Progressive Democrats' core philosophy centers on social justice. Their key policies include aggressive green infrastructure mandates, phasing out fossil fuels, expanding civil rights, criminal justice reform, strong protections for gender identity, and substantial corporate tax hikes to fund universal childcare and paid family leave. Progressive Democrats include Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA), Sen. Ed Markey (MA), Rep. Parmila Jaytapal (WA), and Rep. Ro Khanna (CA).

Socialist Democrats (Democratic Socialists)

The core philosophy of this wing is to advocate for massive wealth redistribution and democratic control over the economy. Their key policies include Medicare for all, federal job guarantees, universal rent control, tuition-free public college, unionized workforce mandates across all employment sectors, a sharp reduction in defense spending, and a foreign policy focusing on global human rights rather than American military dominance. Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Rep. Summer Lee (PA), and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI) are left-wing advocates.

Hope springs eternal

Maybe by knowing we have six distinct political factions within two political entities operating in D.C., it may help you understand why we have an unproductive and divisive `Do Nothing Congress.’

Four concrete, structural recommendations address the partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill that would help lawmakers deliver results. First, reinstate the Joint Bipartisan Committee, which would mandate bipartisan member retreats at the start of each session and the sharing of staff resources.

Next, the House and Senate need to have the same calendar of working and constituent service days so they can meet across chambers and create better working relationships.

Then, expanding the “Rule of 49” would allow bills to be debated, rather than the current situation where leadership can block bills from any discussion.

Finally, our 535 delegates need to establish a joint bicameral task force to focus on “kitchen table” infrastructure topics where consensus agreement already exists (e.g., modernized grid infrastructure, expanding rural broadband access, strengthening domestic manufacturing, banning congressional stock trading, etc.).

Voting in the Nov. 3 “mid-term” election and Nov. 7, 2028 presidential elections is where `We the People’ can start eradicating the political gridlock by voting for candidates who will endeavor to move to the middle of their political party and vow to represent Americans in a give-and-take and across-the-aisle bipartisan cooperative manner, advocate for legislation, term limits, and abide by the Constitution.

Steve Corbin is a Professor Emeritus of Marketing at the University of Northern Iowa and a non-paid freelance guest columnist and contributor to 148 newspapers and 37 social media platforms in 44 states.