The thing that politics and religion have in common, is that they have large organizations that actively cultivate emotional responses and ideological conformity.
Organized religions do this because that's how they attract and hold on to followers.
Politicians and interest groups frame issues in emotional, moral, and ideological terms, because emotion and social pressure motivates voters to get off their butt and go to the polls. Rational self interest cannot motivate voters, because the effort it takes to vote is greater than the direct reward. The press sensationalizes politics and stokes fears of "the other" because emotion sells. The polarization starts at the top and trickles down into every internet comment thread.
Electoral/partisan democracy is poisonous. The Venetians had the right idea in using lotteries to select officials.
Organized religions do this because that's how they attract and hold on to followers.
Politicians and interest groups frame issues in emotional, moral, and ideological terms, because emotion and social pressure motivates voters to get off their butt and go to the polls. Rational self interest cannot motivate voters, because the effort it takes to vote is greater than the direct reward. The press sensationalizes politics and stokes fears of "the other" because emotion sells. The polarization starts at the top and trickles down into every internet comment thread.
Electoral/partisan democracy is poisonous. The Venetians had the right idea in using lotteries to select officials.