Partisanship significantly affects public policy development by creating divisions between political parties, often leading to gridlock in legislative processes. When lawmakers prioritize party loyalty over collaboration, it can hinder the creation and passage of essential policies. Partisan debates can polarize issues, making compromise difficult and delaying urgent reforms. Furthermore, the emphasis on party affiliation can skew public opinion and affect electoral outcomes, as leaders focus on loyalty to their base rather than the broader needs of constituents, limiting opportunities for bipartisan cooperation.