11.   Lawmakers are beginning to understand, and the Shays-Meehan bill is within reach of commanding a majority.

12.   Now, no single party seems able to command a majority in Parliament.

13.   One major difference is that in seeking a legislative solution, the president does not always command a majority in Congress.

14.   Such a measure was approved by the Finance Committee last week, but it was unclear whether it could command a majority in the Senate.

15.   The conventional wisdom in Washington is that this legislation cannot pass, even though it commands healthy majorities in the House and Senate.

16.   The court overturned both of those conclusions on Wednesday without an opinion that commanded a majority of the court.

17.   The focus now shifts to the Senate, where tax legislation is proceeding more slowly and where the Bush plan does not command a majority.

18.   While Republicans are also given a chance to gain the seven Senate seats they need to command a majority, switching parties is rare in that chamber.

19.   After that, he would designate a potential premier who then would have to prove he or she could command a majority of votes in Parliament.

20.   And with no single party commanding a majority, even the more established parties will be forced into unstable coalitions with less savory partners.