Bicameralism and presentment still apply. House and Senate majorities may disagree, Senate rules can demand a broader coalition, and members respond to separate constituencies and primary electorates. Ideological factions may divide the governing party, while courts, federalism, statutory procedure, and practical implementation remain constraints after enactment. A narrow majority can make a few dissenters decisive. Reconciliation may ease some Senate obstacles for qualifying budget legislation, but its procedural limits do not make it a general substitute for ordinary lawmaking.

Imagine the president's party controls both chambers but proposes closing military facilities concentrated in several governing-party states. Senators from those states oppose the plan. Their resistance does not convert the government into divided government; party control has not changed. It shows that local costs and independent electoral incentives can outweigh party loyalty. The president must bargain for votes or accept defeat.

Contrast unified with divided government, in which the opposing party controls at least one chamber. Divided government often raises partisan barriers, but bipartisan legislation remains possible. Neither label predicts a policy outcome by itself. Identify chamber margins, pivotal members, rules, issue coalitions, and the formal action required.

Video lesson: How Presidents Govern: Crash Course Government and Politics #14