Home Social Sciences Making Laws and Making Points: Senate Governance in an Era of Uncertain Majorities
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Making Laws and Making Points: Senate Governance in an Era of Uncertain Majorities

  • Frances E. Lee
Published/Copyright: January 3, 2011
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

One of the most striking characteristics of the contemporary Senate is the regular transfers of party control, with six shifts in the majority between 1980 and 2007. Continual uncertainty about future control of the chamber has important consequences for congressional incentives. In this environment, senators have adapted their behavior and institution to more effectively contest Senate control. These adaptations include: the rise of “message politics” and the growing size, significance, and outreach capabilities of party committees and leadership staffs.

Published Online: 2011-1-3

©2011 Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin/Boston

Downloaded on 12.1.2026 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.2202/1540-8884.1488/pdf
Scroll to top button