Congressional approval ratings have never been lower than they are now. Public confidence in the ability of Congress to solve important problems has waned

Discuss the reasons why politicians appear at loggerheads with one another, why solutions to substantive issues are either not addressed or given short-term solutions, and what some potential remedies might be.

What will be an ideal response?

An ideal response will:
1, Recount one or more examples of policy shortfalls due to lack of cooperation between parties, such as the 2011 debt ceiling crisis, or the ongoing debate about Social Security reform.
2, Explain why some issues are more untenable than others. Address the immediate needs of pleasing one's constituency in order to be reelected, with campaign fund-raising and other such concerns taking time at the expense of running the government.
3, Note that it is often in the legislator's best interest to delay or "pass the buck" on decisions that would be seen as harming or ignoring a district.
4, Answer may allude to the rise in party polarization and the need for politicians to demonstrate loyalty to party leadership to ascend the committee ladder.
5, Offer potential remedies that could include institutional changes, political awareness raising, social activism, etc.
6, Conclude with a short summation.