Partisanship significantly impacts policymaking by creating divisions between political parties that can lead to gridlock or enhance competition. When parties are highly polarized, they tend to prioritize ideological goals over bipartisan solutions, making it challenging to pass legislation. This often results in either extreme policies when one party controls both legislative chambers or a lack of substantial action during negotiations. Ultimately, partisanship can hinder effective governance and reduce public trust in government, as voters may perceive their leaders as prioritizing party interests over the common good.