The Effects of Political Polarization on Congressional Oversight

The increasing political polarization in the United States has had affected the relationship between the Democratic and Republican Parties and their ability to work together so they can govern the country effectively. While numerous scholars have previously conducted research on political polarization, one important aspect that requires further research is the extent that polarization has affected the role of congressional oversight. In this study, I will examine the congressional committee investigations of the Iran-Contra Affair and the 2012 Benghazi attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi. The analysis of newspaper articles, media reports, voting records, and public statements will reveal how the role of congressional oversight has changed. Congressional oversight has been essential to ensure that federal laws are being implemented as intended and to hold other branches of government accountable. However, this study has demonstrated that the increasing politicization of oversight investigations and partisan tone have altered oversight investigations to the point that members of Congress are more interested in how investigations can affect their party than holding other branches of government accountable.