Bipartisanship
Bipartisanship
Bipartisanship, in the United States, the attempt of political leaders to obtain maximum unity from members of both parties on matters of foreign and domestic policy. Although bipartisanship has been practiced in many eras, the term is most frequently associated with post-World War II American foreign affairs. It is generally considered desirable to have some measure of cooperation between the Democratic and Republican parties on international programs. To achieve this, the president consults with both parties before acting on major global problems. Over the years there has been bipartisan support for many diplomatic efforts, notably the creation of the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and resistance to Communist expansion. Both parties are usually represented in international negotiations.
An important provision of bipartisanship is that neither party attempts to take advantage of diplomatic problems or defeats. An example of this could be seen in the almost nationwide support for President Jimmy Carter in 1979-80, at the beginning of the crisis with Iran. Politicians of both parties gave their support to the president’s efforts to free the American hostages from the Iranian government. (1)
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