Affective polarization, representation, and accountability

This chapter explores the relationship between affective polarization, political participation, and accountability. It argues that affective polarization, characterized by strong emotional reactions towards opposing parties, significantly influences voter behavior. This phenomenon increases electoral participation by mobilizing emotions such as anger and hope, which drive political activism. Affective polarization also raises the stakes of elections, leading to higher voter turnout. However, it complicates political accountability by fostering negative voting, where voters choose candidates primarily to reject their opponents rather than endorse specific policies. This undermines the ability to hold elected officials accountable, as their mandates become unclear. The chapter reviews various studies from different countries, confirming that affective polarization has a mobilizing effect on voting and other forms of political engagement. It highlights the need for further research on how affective polarization impacts political participation across different democratic contexts and its potential to foster democratic erosion through populist and authoritarian proposals. Overall, the chapter comprehensively analyzes how affective polarization shapes political behavior, emphasizing its dual role in enhancing participation while undermining accountability.