| They are used by minorities to block legislation and to gain bargaining leverage with majorities. |
| They also tend to waste more of their votes piling up majorities in safe seats instead of capturing marginal ones. |
| In some states tacit agreements may strengthen the majorities of each party in its own constituencies. |
| The interposition of political majorities does not necessarily insulate the state's decision from all criticism. |
| Overwhelming majorities of Americans believe the federal government isn't doing enough to protect the environment. |
| Fossilized distrust indicates failure at this key democratic task of holding majorities and minorities together. |
