The textbook argues that Congress has become dysfunctional. Explain how we know that Congress has become dysfunctional

Describe the factors that seem to be contributing to gridlock and how it is affecting not only the functions of Congress but also the perspectives of Americans about politics.

What will be an ideal response?

An ideal response will:
1, Explain that congressional dysfunction is illustrated by the crisis over the debt ceiling, the 16-day government shutdown, consistently low public approval ratings, and an inability to compromise and pass legislation.
2, Describe how the separation-of-powers design of Congress, when combined with intense ideological divisions and political polarization, leads to legislative gridlock.
3, Discuss how the continued dysfunction of Congress leads to questions about the design of our legislative branch, and how Americans are increasingly looking to parliamentary systems as a better institutional model.