Political polarization affects governance as it creates deep divisions among political parties and constituents, hindering compromise and collaboration. This polarization can lead to increased partisanship, where political decisions become more about party loyalty than public welfare. As a result, legislative gridlock may ensue, making it difficult to pass important reforms or respond effectively to crises. Such divisions can also reduce public trust in government institutions, as citizens perceive their elected officials as more interested in scoring political points than addressing pressing issues, ultimately weakening democratic governance.