Blame the shutdown on citizens who prefer politicians to vanquish their opponents

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Author: Robert B. Talisse , Vanderbilt University

The United States was founded on the idea that government exists to serve its people. To do this, government must deliver services that promote the common good. When the government shuts down, it fails to meet its fundamental purpose.

While government shutdowns are not new in the U.S., most have lasted less than a week . At 40 days, the current shutdown may well be on the way to an end this week , as enough Senate Democratic caucus members have voted with Republicans on a measure to reopen the government. But it will remain the longest in the history of the nation .

When the government shuts down for such a long ti