The fact that a congress can remain ineffective for the entirety of a president's term reveals a huge flaw in our system of government: the lack of a vote of 'No Confidence' in congress.
First establish a federal ratings system that polls American's satisfaction with congress, much in the way groups like Politico do; then establish a 'No Confidence' vote.
Votes would take place only after a congress sits in session with an approval rating under 20% for a full year, after which we hold re-elections.
Any politician who is twice a part of a congress that receives a vote of 'No Confidence', may not run for office again.
I believe this will motivate current and future politicians to be more mindful of their civic duties; to solve our problems, not abuse their power for personal gain.