seniority rule

American  

noun

U.S. Politics.

1. the custom in Congress providing for the assignment of a committee chairpersonship to that member of the majority party who has served on the committee the longest.

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Example Sentences

Critics of the seniority rule are many, and they do make a strong case.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2016

Defenders of the seniority rule argue that it ensures that a powerful and experienced member will head each committee.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2016

Whatever the arguments against the seniority rule, it is unlikely to be eliminated.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2016

However, Secretary of War Davis is a staunch believer in the seniority rule and Major General Summerall has a brilliant record, so his appointment was no surprise.

From Time Magazine Archive

I had to have, under the seniority rule of the service, a wooden man for its commander.

From Sword and Pen Ventures and Adventures of Willard Glazier by Owens, John Algernon