Re-Released: Prof. Matt Green on Why Congress Feels More Divided Than Ever
September 2, 2025
We are re-releasing one of our most thought-provoking episodes of Small Business Black Holes, where host Alan Pentz speaks with Professor Matthew Green, a leading scholar of congressional politics at Catholic University.
In this timeless conversation, they trace historical parallels to today’s political climate, analyze how razor-thin congressional margins and social media have reshaped leadership, and consider what may lie ahead in an era of deepening polarization.
This re-release offers essential context for understanding the enduring institutional forces shaping American politics and the uncertain paths forward in a volatile legislative landscape.
As part of our re-release series, we are revisiting an important episode of Small Business Black Holes featuring Professor Matthew Green, a political science scholar at Catholic University and an expert on congressional leadership.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Alan and Professor Green:
- Trace the evolution of Congress since the 1990s, with a focus on intensifying polarization and partisan division
- Examine how leadership dynamics have shifted, particularly as social media fuels attention-seeking over legislative effectiveness
- Assess the challenges facing House Speaker Mike Johnson, including the difficulty of governing with a narrow majority and the looming threat of shutdowns
- Draw historical comparisons to past eras of volatility, such as the late 19th century and the Wilson administration
- Explore the influence of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement on the Republican Party and the transformation of the Freedom Caucus
- Revisit the constitutional debate over presidential impoundment powers and their contemporary significance
- Analyze how congressional factions respond to economic and policy pressures, from tariffs to farm subsidies
This re-release provides not only historical and theoretical depth but also enduring insights into the tensions at the heart of American governance. It highlights the forces that continue to shape Congress today and underscores the precarious balance between partisanship, institutional power, and democratic responsibility.
Highlights:
Highlights:
- [04:38] Understanding Incentive Structures in Organizations
- [20:43] Strategic Candidate Selection and Team Building
- [29:22] Navigating Limited Options Under Constraints
- [38:09] Managing Through Volatility and Uncertainty
Episode Resources:
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