Greater agreement within each party and sharper differences between the two parties describes which phenomenon?

• A. Partisan Polarization
• B. Ideological Polarization
• C. Cross-cutting Cleavages
• D. Party Realignment

Answer: (A)

Partisan polarization is about greater agreement within each party and sharper differences between parties. When members of the same party share a tight, unified set of positions, they vote together and present a cohesive stance. At the same time, the opposing party moves further away in policy views, making the gap between the two parties wider. This description captures the core idea of partisan polarization: intra-party unity paired with inter-party divergence.

Cross-cutting cleavages would tend to blur divides because issues pull groups across party lines, reducing polarization. Ideological polarization focuses on the overall spread of beliefs along the left–right spectrum, not specifically the cohesion inside parties or the clarity of differences between parties. Party realignment refers to a long-term shift in party coalitions and electoral bases, not the current level of agreement or disagreement within and between parties.