Party leaders dominate today’s Senate because rank-and-file senators increasingly defer to them - not because the chamber’s rules require it. Senators accepted less influence over legislation in exchange for a more predictable schedule, fewer difficult votes, and less responsibility for making the Senate work.

The Senate did not always rely on cloture, closed-door negotiations, and powerful party leaders to pass legislation. Committees developed bills, senators debated and amended them on the floor, and majority leaders managed the process without controlling it.

A historical overview of how Senate Republican leadership has evolved over time.

A straightforward guide to the principal leadership positions in the Senate Republican conference and what each one does. It helps readers understand how party leadership operates behind the scenes.

President of the Senate protects minority rights.