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Explore the dynamics of party leadership and collective action within the 111th Congress, focusing on the role of the House Majority Whip, James E. Clyburn. Understand the strategies employed to achieve collective party goals, maintain majority status, and navigate the complex web of factions and policy challenges. Discover the leadership structure, tactics, and psychology behind party leadership for optimal outcomes.
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Party Leadership and Collective Action: A View from Inside the 111th Congress Dirksen: Party Leadership
House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06) • Role of Whip • We strive for wins, not unanimity Dirksen: Party Leadership
House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06) • With historic 111th Congress, the Majority Whip possessed new policy clout. • House Leadership & the Obama Administration Dirksen: Party Leadership
Office of the House Majority WhipH-329 The Capitol • Earn trust/Access/Piece of History • Experience in Policy Shop • Treat everyone’s priority as your own Dirksen: Party Leadership
Party Leadership for Collective Action • MC universal goals (reelection, policy, power) • Garner sufficient votes back home • Achieve policy • House Democratic Caucus • 256 members with different constituencies, unique reelection circumstances, quite varied policy preferences • Many factions: Blue Dogs, Asian Pacific, Black Caucus, Hispanic, Progressives, New Democrats • Each policy presents unique challenge Dirksen: Party Leadership
Party Leadership for Collective Action • What strategies can leaders employ to “prod” members to contribute/behave in ways to produce collective goods for party while helping members to achieve individual goals? • Maintain majority party status • Party reputation=Good government • Pragmatic policy solving social & economic problems Dirksen: Party Leadership
Party Leadership for Collective Action • Constant reelection concern. “Our prospects as a party are tied to this president, if this bill goes down we all go down”. • Psychology of Action • Historic Window of Opportunity Dirksen: Party Leadership
Party Leadership for Collective Action Achieving Collective Goals of Party • Leadership structure • Individual political skills • Leadership staff • Centrality of information • Trust and relationships Dirksen: Party Leadership
Party Leadership for Collective Action Achieving Collective Party Goals • “The 3 Ps” • Controlling the Agenda • Rules and procedures • Centrality of Rules Committee Dirksen: Party Leadership
Party Leadership for Collective Action Achieving Collective Party Goals • Carrots and sticks • “Get more with honey” • Putting the whip on • Reduce uncertainty on the floor • The Whip Process Dirksen: Party Leadership
Party Leadership for Collective Action Leadership Premium Dirksen: Party Leadership