HOUSE FLOOR PROCEDURES
As the legislative body where, in the words of Alexander Hamilton, ``the people rule,'' the need for public accountability and substantial legislative productivity has always been present. The larger size of the House, the short time between election cycles, and need to establish a legislative record through which to seek a new electoral mandate have all contributed to establishing structured rules that limit the autonomy of individual Representatives and guarantee legislative action in a relatively short and predictable time. Changing attitudes and perceptions of Members and leaders from both the majority and minority blocks about these structures and balances have served continually as a major stimulus for rules change proposals.
Whether these forms be in all cases the most rational or not is really not of so great importance. It is much more material that there should be a rule to go by than what that rule is; that there may be a uniformity of proceeding in business not subject to the caprice of the Speaker or captiousness of the members. It is very material that order, decency, and regularity be preserved in a dignified public body.
Jefferson's Manual of Parliamentary Practice, c. 1800.
The job of the minority is to make a quorum and to draw its pay.
Speaker Thomas B. Reed, 1890.
If the precedents of the House can be said to have an overriding function, it is to enable the Members to govern themselves democratically and fairly and at the same time execute the will of the majority. The precedents of the House are utilized in such a way as to expedite business and protect the minority, and at the same time enable the assembly to take action in accordance with the views of the majority.
Lewis M. Deschler, Deschler's Precedents, v. 1, p. viii.