Partisanship in the American Government

In a couple of paragraphs, please discuss the nature of American partisan (not just in the government but with the electorate). What is partisanship? Why is Congress so partisan…has this always been the case, and if not, what is the historical context for American partisanship? Is the electorate partisan as well? Can you think of ways to reduce partisanship? Are there any advantages to having strong partisan lines between Republicans and Democrats? Would it be easier to pass laws through Congress than it is presently if we were less partisan… would that be a good thing? Discuss partisanship as a function the electoral process. Does partisanship contribute to the poor approval ratings in the Congress?