Most expect bickering and opposition between the two parties to increase Do you think Republicans and Democrats in Washington will more than usual? (%)
About six-in-ten Americans (61%) expect that Republicans and Democrats in Washington will bicker and oppose one another more than usual, while just 29% say they expect the parties to work together more.
Majorities have expected the parties to bicker and oppose rather than work together in recent years, though public predictions for partisan cooperation were substantially higher on the eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration eight years ago. In January 2009, 50% expected the two parties to work together more, while fewer (39%) expected greater hostility.
Most expect bickering and opposition  | between the two parties to increase  | Do you think Republicans and Democrats in Washington  | will  | more than usual? (%)  | Bicker and op pose one a nother  | Work together  | Jan 2017  | 61  | 29  | Jan 2015  | 71  | 22  | Jan 2013  | 66  | 23  | Jan 2011  | 63  | 30  | Jan 2009  | 39  | 50  | Jan 2005  | 59  | 30  | Jan 2002  | 39  | 53  | Jan 2001  | 50  | 41  | Notes: Don tknow responses notshown 08.  | Source: Survey conducted Jan 499, 2017  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 