divided government

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divided government" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which different political parties control different branches of government, often leading to a balance of power. Example: "In a divided government, the president may face challenges in passing legislation if the opposing party controls Congress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Divided country, divided government.

The Guardian

Americans frequently prefer divided government.

The Economist

Voters don't choose divided government.

The New Yorker

But welcome to divided government".

The New York Times

First, the public strongly prefers divided government.

The New York Times

LAST week, Americans voted for divided government.

The Economist

"They've given us divided government".

The New Yorker

4. Americans do not prefer divided government.

The New Yorker

"This shows they are a divided government.

The Guardian

That's not a vote for divided government.

The New York Times

One is intense partisan competition and divided government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "divided government" to objectively describe situations where control of government is split between political parties; avoid using emotionally charged language.

Common error

Don't automatically assume that a "divided government" leads to complete gridlock; it can sometimes foster compromise and more moderate policies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divided government" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific political condition where control of the executive and legislative branches is split between different political parties. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "divided government" accurately describes a situation where different political parties control different branches of government. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially within news and media. While it can suggest potential gridlock, it also implies checks and balances, encouraging compromise. Alternatives include "split government" or "bipartisan government". Understanding its implications is crucial for analyzing political dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

split government

Emphasizes the separation of power, focusing on the outcome rather than the act of dividing.

bipartisan government

Highlights collaboration or the need for it between two parties in power.

gridlocked government

Focuses on the potential outcome of a divided government, where progress is hindered.

dysfunctional government

Emphasizes the negative consequences of division, suggesting an inability to govern effectively.

fragmented government

Implies a breaking up of power among different entities, not necessarily political parties.

coalition government

Describes a specific type of government where multiple parties cooperate, often out of necessity.

power-sharing government

Highlights the distribution of authority among different groups within the government.

checks and balances system

Refers to the system designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, which can occur in a divided government.

political stalemate

Describes a situation where political progress is blocked due to opposing viewpoints.

partisan divide

Focuses on the ideological separation between political parties.

FAQs

How does a "divided government" impact policy making?

A "divided government" often requires more negotiation and compromise between parties, potentially leading to moderate policies or gridlock if consensus cannot be reached. Policy outcomes can be heavily influenced by which party controls each branch.

What are some potential advantages of a "divided government"?

Some argue a "divided government" can prevent any single party from becoming too powerful, fostering greater scrutiny and balance. This can lead to more considered legislation and prevent rapid, radical shifts in policy.

What is an alternative to calling it a "divided government"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "split government", "bipartisan government", or "gridlocked government" to describe similar situations with slightly different nuances.

Is a "divided government" always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. While it can lead to political gridlock, a "divided government" can also encourage compromise and prevent extreme policies. Its impact depends on the willingness of different parties to cooperate.