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.

Targeted reforms can have broader consequences than intended.

“Secret holds” aren’t secret—they’re tools senators use to gain leverage in negotiations.

A review of the different ways senators use holds to achieve their goals.

A primer on Senate holds.