How has politics played into the correctional equation of overcrowding in correctional facilities?

Politics has played a major role in the correctional equation of overcrowding in correctional facilities. Politicians have been responsible for creating laws that have increased the number of people being incarcerated, such as mandatory minimum sentences and three-strikes laws. Politicians have also been responsible for reducing funding for correctional facilities, which has led to overcrowding and inadequate resources. Additionally, politicians have been responsible for creating policies that have limited the ability of correctional facilities to release inmates, such as parole restrictions and the elimination of early release programs. All of these factors have contributed to the overcrowding of correctional facilities.