What are party Whips?
In addition to the majority and minority party leaders, each party elects assistant leaders, or “Whips.” The Whips assist the leadership in managing the party’s legislative program on the floor of the House and provides information to party members about important legislative-related matters. The Whips keep track of all politically important legislation and ensure that all members of their parties are present when important measures are to be voted upon. When a vote appears to be close, the Whips contact absent members of their party and advise them of the vote. Due to the larger number of members in the House of Representatives, House Whips appoint “deputy whips” to assist them in their activities. In addition, the House Democrats elect a number of “zone whips,” chosen by Democrats from particular regions of the country to assist in the informational activities of party leadership.
