The term political polarization refers to the growing ideological divide between political parties and their supporters, often resulting in increased hostility and partisanship. As individuals align more strongly with their respective parties, bipartisan cooperation becomes challenging, leading to gridlock in policymaking and heightened social tensions. Factors such as media influence, economic disparities, and changing demographics contribute to polarization, making it difficult to find common ground on critical issues. This divide can undermine democratic processes and discourage compromise, affecting governance at all levels.