Leadership in Legislatures: Evolution, Selection, Functions

Abstract

This essay provides an inventory of contemporary research on leadership in and of legislatures. Research is organized into three main subsections: (1) the evolution of legislative leadership; (2) the selection of internal party leaders, such as speakers, floor leaders, and whips, as well as of external leaders, such as prime ministers and presi- dents; and (3) the functions performed by leaders. The techniques of modern social science, including direct observation, intensive interviewing, and roll-call analysis have broadened the focus of research on leadership to include the whole legislature, followers as well as leaders.