How was the relationship between the President and Congress characterized during Obama's first term?

During Barack Obama's first term, the relationship between the President and Congress was marked by significant divisions and partisanship. After Obama's election in 2008, he initially enjoyed a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, which allowed for some collaborative efforts, particularly with the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act aimed at addressing the economic crisis. However, as the 2010 midterm elections approached, the political landscape shifted dramatically.

The 2010 election resulted in a Republican majority in the House of Representatives, leading to increased polarization in Congress. This division was evident in various legislative battles, including contentious debates over health care reform (specifically the Affordable Care Act), budget negotiations, and issues such as the debt ceiling. The opposing parties often found themselves at an impasse, reflecting deep-rooted ideological differences, which hindered progress on many legislative initiatives.

This environment of partisanship was further exacerbated by political strategies employed by some members of Congress, who sought to oppose Obama's agenda rather than collaborate on solutions, leading to a more adversarial relationship between the executive and legislative branches. As a result, despite some early successes, Obama's ability to effectively govern was significantly challenged by this divisive political climate.