This chart shows the results of a recent Gallup Poll -- done between September 4th and 12th of a national sample of 1,035 adults, with a 4 point margin of error.
Our country has been well served in the past by both political parties having a say in government. Even when one party controlled both the presidency and Congress, the out-of-power party retained enough power to force some compromise for the good of the country.
It's not that way today. Currently the Republicans have a grip on power, and they have shown no willingness to compromise on anything. And that's the way their base likes it. A clear majority of Republicans (59%) say they prefer that only one party be in control of government. They don't like compromise, and don't want their leaders to have to do it.
That is not the view of the rest of America though. Only 36% of the general public, 30% of Democrats, and 26% of Independents say that it is good for only one party to control the national government.