Integration and Goal Attainment as Functions of Informal Legislative Groups

Abstract

R ECENTLY systems theory has been helpful in clarifying issues and directing research in the study of legislatures.' It has made an especially important contribution in directing attention to certain functions that are essential for the maintenance of a viable, stable legislative system.2 Among these functions are integration (i.e., the coordination of the system's units so that they work together in performing the system's function) 3 and goal attainment (i.e., the achievement of goals assigned the system by the society). This paper explores the role played by informal legislative groups in the integration and goal attainment of legislative systems.5 Considering integration first, it is generally accepted that a chief means of integration is certain informal norms or rules of the game. Norms which require honesty, courtesy, and reciprocity in one's dealings with his fellow legislators would clearly aid in the integration of a legislative system,6 for they would operate to minimize conflict and help facilitate communication and negotiation. It has been suggested that informal groups are the chief means by which individuals are socialized into the norms of the legislature.' Therefore, the following hypothesis was formed: informal groups aid in the integration of the legislative system by socializing their members into norms which function to limit conflict and promote cooperation. In regard to goal attainment it is generally accepted that decision-making or law-making is a goal assigned to and accepted by legislative systems in twentieth century America. It has also been suggested and partially documented that