How long has whip been used in politics?

Answer 1

That is a good question. The concept of the Whip began in the English Parliament with the word taken from the use of a whip to keep hounds in a pack during a fox hunt. The Whip is an official of a political party. The Whip's job is to keep party members in line on votes as well as inform members of when a vote will be taken and the party's position on the vote.

Use of the whip in the American Congress began at the turn of the century with first the Republicans adopting the position in the Senate and then the Democrats in the House over a period of time stretching from 1897 to 1915.

The concept of the Whip is retained in many nations around the world, especially those that were or are part of the British Commonwealth.

The English Parliament adopted the position in the 1700's according to the British Parliament's website.