The General Assembly of Pennsylvania established the first "caucus" in 1703 when House members organized to win legislative rights from colonial administrators. The word "caucus" originates from the Algonquian language and means "elder" or "counselor". Its modern usage refers to a closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction. Primarily the caucus meets to select candidates, decide on policy or promote an agreed upon cause.
Since 1857 there have been Democrat and Republican caucuses in both the House and Senate. In the 1960s informal caucuses were formed by legislators interested in common issues such as promoting steel and coal.
"To caucus" means a closed-door strategy or decision-making meeting by party members, headed by the Majority or Minority leader who are often referred to as Floor Leaders.
Representative Benjamin Franklin, as a Floor Leader, used his caucus to gather fellow lawmakers from across the Commonwealth to devise agendas for legislation and realize common goals. Without caucus unity, Franklin believed the legislative process would be political bedlam.
Early in the century, the caucuses began to select officers. The primary goal of leadership is to maintain solidarity and obtain the minimum number of votes necessary to pass legislation, 102 votes in the House and 26 votes in the Senate.
The Majority Leaders in both chambers direct legislation and are often the spokesmen for their party.
The assistant floor leader, or Whip, informs caucus members of important issues and is responsible for delivering votes to maintain the party position agreed upon in caucus. The term "Whip" was borrowed from the English Parliament and is a fox-hunting term for the rider who did not permit the hounds to stray. Benjamin Disraeli, a Whip and later Prime Minister of England, said the job requires "consummate knowledge of human nature, the most amiable flexibility and complete self-control."
