Here is one of the factors driving dysfunction in Congress.
Despite the fact that we assume we are a majoritarian democracy there are many places were the will of the majority - which tends to be understood as the will of the people is thwarted. One of the many areas this happens is in the US House of Representatives where the majority of House members do not determine what comes to the floor of the chamber - rather it is a majority of the majority party that matters.
Theoretically this means that 117 members can prevent the preferences of the remaining 318.
The Republican Conference tends to use this rule when in charge. It has been called the Hastert Rule after Speaker Dennis Hastert who was speaker from 1999 - 2007, and also the majority of the majority rule. Other Speakers have also adhered to the rule.
- Hastert was quoted as saying that his job as Speaker was to please the majority of the majority.
There is nothing set in stone about the rule, but it argued to be an effective way to keep House Republicans cohesive, though it does not encourage bi-partisanship.
Related stories:
- Hastert rule not working.
- The absurdity of the Hastert Rule.
- What the rule tells us about House Republicans.
