The Contentious Senate: Partisanship, Ideology, and the Myth of Cool Judgment

The Senate is becoming more like the House of Representatives in its increasing levels of partisanship and ideology. A transformation of the institution is underfoot, posing questions about the Senate’s role as the chamber in which cool judgment prevails. Leading scholars, including U.S. Senate historians, discuss and analyze changes in Senate life including rules and procedures, leadership and party organization, executive and Senate relations, debate and deliberation, and perhaps above all, media spotlight. With all these changes comes a re-examination of Senate efficacy, legitimacy, and appropriateness as an aristocratic chamber in an increasingly democratic system of government.