The text asks: "Does gridlock matter?" Summarize the discussion on this topic.

What will be an ideal response?

Americans say they do not like divided government, but this sentiment is not reflected in their voting behavior-government is often divided. Scholars suggest, however, that divided government seems to do just fine when it comes to passing important laws, conducting important investigations, and ratifying significant treaties. In addition, "unified" government may be something of a myth, really only present when the same party and the same ideological wing of that party controls government (1933, Roosevelt; 1965, Johnson). Gridlock might be a necessary byproduct of representative government.