As the old saying goes, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”. Most people recognize this to mean that those who speak up the loudest will often get what they want. But does the same apply when it comes to legislative bodies like the United States House of Representatives? A recent article published by GodzillaNewsz suggests a surprising answer: yes.
For centuries, the House of Representatives has operated under the “tyranny of extreme minority” tradition. In short, this means that just a handful of powerful representatives have been able to dictate the agenda and determine what gets voted upon. This small minority is often comprised of older, veteran members of the House with decades of experience and seniority, and many times these representatives have been able to push through their own personal agendas regardless of how it might affect the rest of the chamber.
The “tyranny of extreme minority” tradition has long been a source of frustration for majority party members whose views may be sidelined in favor of those of the dominant group. Without a greater number of newer representatives that can challenge the status quo, the House may remain in a state of perpetual gridlock, with the needs of the majority left behind.
Furthermore, the power of the extreme minority is often bolstered by arcane and outdated House traditions. From rules dictating the length of time that members can speak on the floor to the use of germaneness and the motion to recommit to kill a bill without a vote, these traditions have been used to keep the hands of the majority tied.
The GodzillaNewz article points out that the “tyranny of extreme minority” tradition isn’t without its dangers. Members of the majority who disagree with the extreme minority may begin to feel disenfranchised and lose faith in the effectiveness of the House. Without the majority party’s support, the effectiveness of the chamber is significantly degraded.
If democracy in the United States is to remain strong, it is vital that all members of the House are given a fair hearing. The “tyranny of extreme minority” tradition has far outlived its usefulness and must be ended in order to ensure that all opinions are given their due. Until that happens, true progress in the House of Representatives will remain sadly elusive.