In recent years, the political landscape in the U.S. has become increasingly divided along party lines, with race, religion, and ideology aligning with partisan identity. This is influenced by a multitude of social, cultural, and religious factors which are causing polarization and geographic separation. The U.S. is polarizing at a quicker rate compared to other democracies, and this divide is evident within both parties as well. Fear and misperceptions about others are also contributing to this divide. Factors such as Congress, voting patterns, demographic changes, redistricting, media, and economic inequality have all played a role in intensifying political divisions. However, some experts believe that the most important and structural factors are political sectarianism, or viewing opponents as "other," and the realignment of party membership.