It is not very often that the presidential office of the United States government, known as the executive branch, as well as both chambers of the legislative branch, the Senate and the House, all hold majority power in one political party. However, in the last few years, America has seen this phenomenon, deemed by political scientists as a “government trifecta.”

In the election of 2020, Democrats took hold of the majority of the House, Senate, and executive branch. They did end up losing their majority in the House and the Senate after midterm elections in 2022, which made it harder for legislation to get passed by the legislative branch and then signed by the president.

Now, Republicans have taken hold of the House, Senate, and the executive branch until at least 2026. However, no matter what party holds a government trifecta, they will not be able to pass just any legislation.

“Having such control is no guarantee a president can get their way,” journalist Gary O’Donoghue said. “A major impediment to total control for either party is that Senate bills require a three-fifths majority, or 60 votes, to bypass the filibuster, which enables senators to delay legislation by keeping debate open-ended.”

The last time America ever had a supermajority, where they were able to bypass the filibuster, was during Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency in 1965-1967.
Republicans gaining control over the government will definitely lead to changes in the country. However, as they do not have a supermajority, they cannot easily pass any legislation they wish to.