What term refers to a condition where one party holds the presidency while the opposing party controls one or both houses of Congress?

The term that describes a situation where one party occupies the presidency while the opposing party controls one or both houses of Congress is known as "divided government." This political condition often leads to negotiation and compromise between the executive and legislative branches, as each party may have different priorities and agendas. When the government is divided, it can result in gridlock, where legislation becomes difficult to pass due to conflicting interests, requiring bipartisan cooperation to achieve legislative goals.

In contrast, unified government refers to a scenario where one party holds the presidency as well as majorities in both houses of Congress, allowing for smoother passage of legislation. Popular sovereignty is a fundamental principle of democracy that emphasizes the role of the people in governing, while coalition government typically involves multiple parties working together, often seen in parliamentary systems rather than the U.S. system. Understanding "divided government" is crucial in analyzing how political dynamics shift and how they affect policymaking in the United States.