Stalemate/Nature of Representation

Stalemate happens because of the varied representation present in Congress. Different interests come into conflict over a certain law or decision, and this conflict, many times, keeps any progress from happening. The House of Representatives is more concerned with the interest of the people, while the Senate is more concerned with the "landed interests of society".  Because of this bicameral, or two-housed, legislature, stalemate occurs often because different concerns come into conflict with one another.  

     Gridlock, another name for stalemate, occurs because of divided parties in Congress and the bicameralism in the legislature.  Divided parties have divided interests in the legislature, so it is truly almost impossible to get the parties to agree on anything. Similarly, bicameralism's inherent setup seems to promote stalemate because of the ideological differences between the House and the Senate. Personally, I feel that this gridlock is an appropriate representation of the will of the people. If one party was able to pass whatever policies or laws it desired, then the American people would be at an incredible disadvantage.  Inevitably, one party would be left out and cut down because of these new policies favoring only one group.  Gridlock is necessary in order to compromise between different interests and figure out what is best for everyone. Even though bicameralism has its problems with gridlock, it is still an effective body of government because it effectively represents the will of the people.