I agree but, I think, even Newt held to normative tools at his disposal to oppose Clinton and the Democratic minority.
Although the majority-of-the-majority rule had not been articulated at the time, Gingrich followed it in practice. And that was his biggest violation of previous norms making it virtually impossible for the minority party to have any impact on legislative outcomes.
This was done, however, by the Speaker not allowing any legislation to come to floor which has always been within his/her power.
Fast-forward to today and we have a minority within the majority that can veto anything the Speaker does and remove him from office. So much for norms.
I trace it to Newt Gingrich. Republicans in the house no longer cooperated with Dems on legislation of interest.
I agree but, I think, even Newt held to normative tools at his disposal to oppose Clinton and the Democratic minority.
Although the majority-of-the-majority rule had not been articulated at the time, Gingrich followed it in practice. And that was his biggest violation of previous norms making it virtually impossible for the minority party to have any impact on legislative outcomes.
This was done, however, by the Speaker not allowing any legislation to come to floor which has always been within his/her power.
Fast-forward to today and we have a minority within the majority that can veto anything the Speaker does and remove him from office. So much for norms.