Role of the minority party

The role of the minority party in Congress is to help shape public policy by taking on an aggressive and creative role in the legislative process because they are the minority and lack power. On some issues the minority party cooperates and supports majority efforts and policies when bipartisan proposals are presented. However, what we hear about most often are the attempts by the minority to defeat the initiatives and policies that the majority party presents. The minority party presents alternatives to the majority policies or uses the fantastic method of the filibuster, which gives the minority some power in the Senate, to completely shut and talk down a policy or initiative that may have quickly passed in the House. Taking about the bill and being an opposition by voicing their opinion may make the majority rethink their proposal. If some of the minority members do not agree with it, neither with Americans and that could affect their popularity as well as how they are perceived by the public. This check and balance is a perfect example of democracy at work. The House reflects majority wishes and the Senate reflects popular opinion, and allows for discussion to take place, delaying bills to be passed too quickly and prevent the majority from acting too quickly. It is important for those in the minority to “show up to work” to prevent the tyranny of the majority party.

Our reading suggested that how the minority party acts is a reflection on the current events and conditions of the time period. Our readings gave the example of Republicans blocking liberal tax-and-spend schemes and efforts, which they felt, would weaken national security in an age during a serious global terrorism threat. The minority does block initiatives such as these that may threaten the American people, but they also can block initiatives on purpose just because they are angry with the majority party and feel that they are pushing too much influence in government by pushing through “ambitious legislative” agenda.

What this opposition means for democracy is that in order to preserve and protect Americans rights and freedoms, politicians must work together to shape government. In a democratic system, there needs to be an opposition to voice differences, and hold political debates about issues and topics, otherwise it wouldn’t be very democratic, it would be a majority rules government. The majority party wants to enact a number of different policies and programs into law, and the minority party is free to criticize, halt, and offer an alternative to majority party policies, ideas, and proposals. Bipartisanship is needed to get policies and ideas passed. Broad alliances and cooperation with other members is the most democratic was of passing initiatives and governing the nation effectively. The opposition of the minority party on the majority party is key to any democracy. Struggle and competition is needed in being able to serve the American people and having a successful government, and even though it makes life in Congress difficult, its good for us.