Blocs (LEGISLATIVE The term bloc has)

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

LEGISLATIVE. The term bloc has long been used in European politics to designate a combination of parties or groups in a parliamentary body either for the purpose of supporting some particular program or for the purpose of creating a majority to carry on the government, as in the case of a government " bloc." Where numerous political parties exist and where no one party numbers a majority of seats in a legislative assembly, a bloc is necessary for the constitution of a working cabinet. In the United States, the so-called agricultural or farm bloc was organized in 1921, consisting of about 100 members of the House of Representatives and 22 members of the Senate, chiefly from the agricultural States of the West and South. The membership is drawn from both the principal national parties, the purpose of the bloc being merely to support legislation favorable to agricultural interests. The opponents of the farm bloc have objected to it as a form of class government, the forerunner of other blocs to support the interests of self-seeking classes, and as inimical to party government and party responsibility. The members of the bloc, on the other hand, declare that its purpose is only the protection of an interest fundamental to the national prosperity, and that it is not to be regarded as an organized group, but rather as a movement. The bloc members hold conferences to consider measures of legislation and have regular recognized leaders in Congress. A so-called "tariff bloc" was organized in the Senate in March, 1922, consisting of members demanding speedy action toward the enactment of a permanent tariff to protect agricultural as well as manufacturing interests. It includes the Republican members of the farm bloc, but not the Democratic.