Member-only story

Different Kind of Senate 1961 76: A Political History

Edgar Cox

·17k Followers· Follow

Published in Mike Mansfield Majority Leader: A Different Kind Of Senate 1961 76

5 min read · 2 weeks before

182 View Claps

13 Respond

Save

Listen

By Richard Bolling

The United States Senate is often seen as a stodgy, slow-moving institution. But during the period from 1961 to 1976, the Senate underwent a profound transformation. In his book, Different Kind of Senate, Richard Bolling provides a comprehensive political history of this era, arguing that the Senate became more powerful, more partisan, and more responsive to public opinion.

Mike Mansfield, Majority Leader: A Different Kind of Senate, 1961-76

by Francis R. Valeo

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3277 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages

Bolling, a Democratic congressman from Missouri, served in the House of Representatives from 1949 to 1983. He was a close observer of the Senate and knew many of the key players of the era. In Different Kind of Senate, Bolling draws on his own experiences and extensive research to provide a lively and informative account of the Senate's transformation.

Bolling begins his book by describing the Senate of the early 1960s. At that time, the Senate was dominated by a small group of senior senators who controlled the chamber's agenda and made most of the important decisions. These senators were often conservative and resistant to change. However, the election of a new generation of senators in the 1960s and 1970s began to change the Senate's culture. These new senators were more liberal, more activist, and more willing to challenge the status quo.

One of the most important changes that occurred during this period was the rise of the seniority system. In the past, the most senior senators had the most power. But in the 1960s and 1970s, a new generation of senators began to challenge the seniority system. They argued that it was unfair and undemocratic for a small group of senior senators to wield so much power. As a result of this challenge, the Senate began to adopt a number of reforms that made it more difficult for senior senators to control the chamber.

Another important change that occurred during this period was the rise of partisanship. In the past, the Senate had been a relatively nonpartisan institution. But in the 1960s and 1970s, the Senate became increasingly divided along party lines. This was due in part to the growing polarization of American politics. As the two major parties became more ideologically distinct, it became more difficult for senators to find common ground.

The rise of partisanship had a number of consequences for the Senate. It made it more difficult for the Senate to pass legislation. It also led to a decline in civility and collegiality in the Senate. Senators increasingly resorted to personal attacks and partisan bickering.

Despite the challenges that it faced, the Senate also made a number of important accomplishments during this period. The Senate played a key role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Senate also investigated the Watergate scandal and helped to bring down President Richard Nixon.

The Senate of the 1960s and 1970s was a very different institution from the Senate of the early 1960s. It was more powerful, more partisan, and more responsive to public opinion. The changes that occurred during this period had a profound impact on American politics and government.

Different Kind of Senate is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the United States Senate. Bolling provides a comprehensive and insightful account of the Senate's transformation during the 1960s and 1970s. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of the Senate and its role in American politics.

The Different Kind Of Senate, 1961 76: A Political History By Richard Bolling Mike Mansfield Majority Leader: A Different Kind Of Senate 1961 76