In addition to the decline in competition, American politics today is characterized by a growing ideological polarization between the two major political parties.

Whose best and most fruitful gift was the power of admiration, which made it possible for me to learn. Now, as in my youth, I am looking up to the truly great creations of the past, which I see high above my own and which alone deserve the name of greatness.

All of this suggests that while citizens became more comfortable with President Bush after September 11 and thought him to have the requisite leadership skills, they continue to harbor doubts about his priorities, loyalties, interests, and policies.

But presidential approval also became a surrogate measure of national unity and patriotism.

A healthy degree of party unity among Democrats and Republicans has deteriorated into bitter partisan warfare.

Science never makes an advance until philosophy authorizes it to do so.

Responsibility for overseeing the implementation of election law typically resides with partisan officials, many with public stakes in the election outcome.