Intraparty Caucus Formation in the United States Congress

in Party and Procedure in the United States Congress, 2nd edition, eds. Jacob R. Straus and Matthew Glassman. (2016). Rowman & Littlefield.

Abstract

This chapter explores the dynamics surrounding intraparty caucus formation in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Specifically, I analyze here the pressures and opportunities driving the creation of the Republican Study Committee in the House and the Steering Committee in the Senate in the mid-1970’s, as well as the creation of the House Freedom Caucus in 2015. These case studies illustrate the challenges associated with forming collective organizations in Congress and the benefits such organizations provide members once fully institutionalized. Additionally, the cases highlight intraparty dynamics and the challenges party leaders face even in an era of cohesive parties.

The Death of Deliberation: Party and Procedure in the Modern United States Senate

in Party and Procedure in the United States Congress, ed. Jacob R. Straus. (2012). Rowman & Littlefield.

Abstract

This chapter examines the institutional development of the Senate and the evolution of its institutional structures, procedures, and normative culture in this context. In doing so, it accounts for the Senate's transformation from a decentralized institution controlled by committee chairmen to a centralized institution dominated by the leadership of the two political parties.