What does the term bipartisanship refer to in the legislative context?

Bipartisanship in the legislative context refers to the cooperation and collaboration between two major political parties, typically in a political system where two primary parties dominate the political landscape. This term is significant because it suggests that members from both parties work together to reach agreements or pass legislation, despite their differing ideologies. Bipartisan agreements can lead to more stable governance, as they may help to break gridlock and foster compromise on contentious issues.

In contrast, decision-making by a single party signifies a lack of cooperation with the opposing party, which can lead to increased polarization and divisiveness. Vote splitting among multiple parties usually refers to a scenario in system with multiple parties where votes are divided among them, potentially allowing one party to win without a majority support, but does not imply collaboration. A veto by the president refers to an executive power to reject legislation, which can often occur in a context where bipartisanship has not been achieved. Thus, bipartisanship is specifically characterized by the cooperative efforts between two major political parties to work towards common legislative goals.