This essay examines the reasons why government, in its current state, is unable to unify the nation. It identifies three key factors contributing to this inability: political division, the overwhelming cost of elections and the influence of major donors, and the absence of a shared moral compass guiding decision-making. The essay argues that these factors create a political landscape where lawmakers are gridlocked, beholden to special interests, and driven by short-term gains rather than the common good. In light of these realities, the author questions where citizens can look for solutions to national disunity.
Introduction
Many Americans look to their government for leadership and unity in times of crisis. However, in recent years, the government has proven ineffective at bringing the nation together. In fact, political polarization and dysfunction seem to have reached unprecedented levels, leaving the country divided and frustrated. Why is it that our government—designed to serve the people—cannot seem to unify us? This essay explores three fundamental reasons: political gridlock, the influence of money in politics, and the absence of a shared moral compass.
Political Gridlock
The first reason our government cannot unify us is the deep and persistent political divide. The country is almost evenly split between two major political parties, and this division is reflected in Congress. When one party holds a slim majority, the opposition’s strategy is often to obstruct, hoping to shift a few votes and regain control in the next election cycle. This creates a perpetual cycle of stalemate. Meaningful legislation becomes nearly impossible to pass because each party is more focused on blocking the other than on working together for the common good.
This political gridlock leads to chronic frustration among citizens. Instead of addressing the nation’s most pressing issues—such as healthcare, education, and economic inequality—lawmakers are engaged in a constant tug-of-war that stymies progress. The result is a government that seems incapable of effective action, let alone national unity.
The Influence of Money in Politics
Second, the enormous cost of running for office has turned elections into fundraising contests. Candidates must spend a significant portion of their time raising money to finance their campaigns. This reliance on major donors, corporations, and political action committees (PACs) creates a political environment where financial backers hold disproportionate influence over the legislative process.
Large contributions are not given without expectation. Mega donors and corporations invest in candidates who will support their interests, often to the detriment of the public. Many well-intentioned lawmakers find themselves caught in a system where loyalty to donors supersedes loyalty to the constituents they are meant to serve. As a result, the laws that are passed often reflect the interests of the wealthy few rather than the needs of the many. The pursuit of money undermines any chance of lawmakers focusing on unity or the greater good.
This influence is further exacerbated by the fact that true altruistic initiatives—those aimed solely at improving societal well-being—rarely generate financial returns. In a capitalist society, major corporations are unlikely to fund projects that do not provide direct revenue or benefits, even if those projects serve the common good.
Absence of a Shared Moral Compass
The third factor preventing government from unifying the country is the lack of a shared moral foundation. In the absence of a commonly accepted moral compass, legislators find themselves swayed by the loudest voices—special interest groups, corporations, and political factions. Without clear ethical guidance, decision-making becomes reactive, based on situational ethics or culturally defined morality rather than on a unified vision of what is right and wrong.
This lack of consensus has created an environment where interest groups with financial power or large voting bases dictate policy. Instead of relying on objective ethical principles, lawmakers respond to the demands of these groups, further dividing the nation. Issues such as healthcare, immigration, and social justice are often framed in ways that polarize, rather than unite, the country.
This situational morality allows for “mob rule”—where the most vocal or well-funded group becomes the de facto decision-maker, determining what is right or wrong in any given situation. With no shared values to anchor decision-making, government action often reflects the interests of the few rather than the needs of the many.
Where Can We Look for Help?
If government is too divided, too beholden to money, and too lacking in moral clarity to unite us, where can we turn? This is the pressing question that confronts us as a nation. While government may no longer serve as the source of unity, there is still hope for healing and cohesion in other areas of society—through grassroots movements, community organizations, and individual responsibility.
National unity cannot be imposed from above. It must grow from the ground up, through shared experiences, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to the common good. While the political system may be flawed, the power to unite ultimately lies within the people themselves.
Conclusion
Government, in its current form, is unlikely to bring about national unity. The political gridlock, the overwhelming influence of money in politics, and the absence of a shared moral compass all contribute to a system that is incapable of fostering unity. As citizens, we must recognize these limitations and seek solutions beyond the government. The work of unification begins with each of us, in our communities, and in our willingness to listen, engage, and work toward common goals.