Vol. 10, Issue 7, Part C (2024)

Abstract
Political polarization, defined as the growing ideological and policy divergence between political parties, has become a critical issue globally, influencing governance, voter behavior, and legislative processes. In many democracies, including India, political polarization has intensified in recent years, impacting the ability of policymakers to work together across party lines and make sound decisions for the public good. This review synthesizes data, reports, and academic studies on the impact of political polarization on policy making, with a focus on how it disrupts consensus-building, fosters legislative gridlock, and shifts policy outcomes toward extreme positions. The paper also examines the role of media, social media, and identity politics in amplifying polarization, and discusses its implications for long-term governance and social cohesion.