Division and Democracy

We are passengers in time lost in motion
Locked together day and night by trick of light
I must take another journey
We must meet with other names
--The Fixx

Almost daily the news splashes claims that we've never been this divided as a country. Truly? Several turbulent periods in our nation's past (e.g., American Revolution, Civil War, Reconstruction, Great Depression, 1960s) suggest some pretty good historical comps.

On the other hand, I'm reminded of Herbert's conjectures in the late 1800s. As democracy and discretionary power grow, factions consolidate into two opposition parties. Each election cycle escalates the battle over the strong arm of government.

Because there is more to gain and more to lose for both sides, why should we expect anything other than increased political division?