For much of its history, the Senate did not rely on powerful party leaders to pass legislation. Instead, it used a decentralized process to develop and debate major bills. Committee chairmen and ranking minority members played central roles, along with rank-and-file senators who had a particular interest in the legislation under consideration.
The majority and minority leaders helped that process work. They did not control it.
Today’s Senate operates differently. The majority leader makes most important procedural decisions before major legislation reaches the floor, often in negotiations with the minority leader. He routinely decides which bills the Senate will consider, which amendments senators may offer, how long they may debate, and when they will vote. Rank-and-file senators are then asked to accept or reject terms that have already been settled.
