[burger]

Now, because of increasing partisanship, those norms are breaking down. I fear we'll need to completely reform American government to accommodate that reality.

Did you see this article by Matt Yglesias?  He agrees with everything you said but takes it a step (or nine) further: the system is going to collapse sooner or later because the constitution is not up to resolving these issues.  http://www.vox.com/2015/3/2/8120063/amer...acy-doomed

[burger]

Now, because of increasing partisanship, those norms are breaking down. I fear we'll need to completely reform American government to accommodate that reality.

Did you see this article by Matt Yglesias?  He agrees with everything you said but takes it a step (or nine) further: the system is going to collapse sooner or later because the constitution is not up to resolving these issues.  http://www.vox.com/2015/3/2/8120063/amer...acy-doomed