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Massive chaos is emerging within the political world less than one week into 2023. However, the current chaos comes amid a longstanding pattern of rising tensions in politics, with said tensions being a large result of hyperpartisanship.

Much of the left and the right have embraced extremism in their own capacities. Many Democrats lash out against members of their party whom they deem to be not radical or "progressive" enough.

On the flip side, there are some Republicans who target their fellow party members for not being hardcore Trumpers or for choosing to be more moderate on certain policy issues.

A lot will happen in politics this year, especially with the 2024 presidential election coming next year; however, it's very clear to see that the two-party system is completely failing the United States.

Division with no end in sight

During the 2022 midterms, Republicans worked hard to regain control of the House of Representatives. The party succeeded in getting it; however, there are nearly two dozen Republicans in the House who are refusing to back Rep. Kevin McCarthy for House Speaker.

Most Republicans in the House are backing McCarthy; however, the holdouts choosing to rally behind Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Jim Jordan, and even former President Trump (despite him already being a 2024 presidential candidate) for the speakership are blocking McCarthy from getting the necessary votes.

Last year, Arizona Sen. Krysten Sinema switched parties, leaving Democrats to become an Independent.

Not long after this, Democrats viciously attacked her. The left's attitude chalked up to little more than "how dare you not stay within our ranks," rather than reflecting on what prompted Sinema to become an Independent.

It is also worth noting that prior to Sinema's party switch, she faced repeated attacks from her then-party members for refusing to toe the Democratic line by voting in lockstep with the party 100% of the time.

Hyperpartisanship must end

Current and past events in politics make it clear that hyperpartisanship must come to an end.

In order for this to happen, America needs an electorate that is comprised of fewer Republicans and Democrats, but more moderates, Independents, centrists, and other voters who are not thick as thieves with either major political party.

A less partisan electorate would force political candidates to shed extremism in order to have a chance of winning their races.

Right now, there are far too many politicians who are more concerned with appealing to the most extreme elements of their parties, rather than seriously bringing people together around commonsense policies.

Until some serious changes are made to the two-party system, hyperpartisanship and extremism will continue to taint American politics.